The Denver Broncos are entering a period of significant transition as head coach Sean Payton begins the process of reshaping his offensive staff. In a move that signals a desire for a fresh start on that side of the ball, the organization has officially fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. The news, first reported by NFL Network’s "The Insiders," comes at a high-stakes moment for the franchise as they look to rebound from a challenging season.
The Impact of the Denver Broncos Coaching Changes
The decision to move on from Lombardi is the most significant of the Denver Broncos coaching changes this offseason. Lombardi, a long-time associate of Sean Payton, was brought to Denver to help implement the system that found so much success during their shared tenure with the New Orleans Saints. However, the transition to the Mile High City did not yield the explosive offensive results fans and management expected.
During the 2025 season, the Broncos' offense struggled with consistency, particularly in the passing game and red-zone efficiency. While there were flashes of the high-powered attack Payton is known for, the unit often lacked the rhythm necessary to compete in the high-scoring AFC West. By dismissing Lombardi, Payton appears to be taking accountability for the unit's underperformance and signaling that the status quo is no longer acceptable in Denver.
Davis Webb Interviews with Rival Raiders
While the firing of Lombardi is the primary headline, the Broncos’ coaching room could see further attrition. Quarterbacks coach Davis Webb is reportedly interviewing with the Las Vegas Raiders. Webb, a former NFL quarterback who made a quick and successful transition into the coaching ranks, has been viewed as a rising star within the industry.
The fact that Webb is interviewing with a direct division rival adds a layer of intrigue to the situation. If Webb were to depart for Las Vegas, he would bring a wealth of knowledge regarding the Broncos' offensive terminology, player tendencies, and Sean Payton’s specific philosophy directly to a competitor. For the Raiders, hiring Webb would represent a strategic acquisition of a bright young mind who has worked closely with veteran signal-callers.
Evaluating Joe Lombardi’s Tenure in Denver
Joe Lombardi’s exit marks the end of a brief and scrutinized chapter in Denver. When he was hired, the hope was that his familiarity with Payton’s playbook would provide a shorthand that could quickly fix the team's offensive woes. Instead, the Broncos found themselves ranked in the bottom half of the league in several key statistical categories, including third-down conversion percentage and total yards per game.
The challenges weren't solely on Lombardi, as the team dealt with injuries and a fluctuating quarterback situation, but as the offensive coordinator, the burden of performance ultimately rested on his shoulders. His departure opens the door for Payton to bring in a new voice—perhaps one with a different perspective on how to utilize the team's current personnel or a coach who can better bridge the gap between Payton’s vision and on-field execution.
What’s Next for the Broncos Offense?
With the offensive coordinator position now vacant, the NFL world will be watching closely to see who Sean Payton targets as a replacement. Payton has historically been the primary play-caller for his teams, but the coordinator role remains vital for game planning, scouting, and position-group oversight. Potential candidates could include former head coaches looking for a coordinator role or up-and-coming assistants from across the league.
- Internal Candidates: Will the Broncos look to promote from within if they can retain coaches like Davis Webb?
- External Search: Will Payton look toward his extensive coaching tree or seek a completely fresh perspective?
- Quarterback Influence: How much will the team's plan at the quarterback position influence the type of coordinator they hire?
As the Denver Broncos coaching changes continue to unfold, the pressure is on the front office to find the right pieces to support Payton. The AFC West remains one of the most competitive divisions in football, and the Broncos cannot afford another year of offensive stagnation if they hope to return to the postseason.
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