Broncos Fire Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi After AFC Championship Loss

The Denver Broncos have fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, the team announced Tuesday, less than 48 hours after their 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, according to reports.

Lombardi, 54, had served as Denver’s offensive coordinator since head coach Sean Payton’s arrival in 2023. The move was confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and multiple local outlets, including 9NEWS’ Mike Klis.

Payton — who has called the team’s offensive plays — and general manager George Paton will now begin a search for Lombardi’s replacement, sources said. Many observers expect longtime assistant and current offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb to be a leading internal candidate for the role.

The Broncos offense struggled at times during the 2025 season and produced just seven points in Sunday’s loss with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham filling in for the injured Bo Nix.

Lombardi had worked with Payton previously during their time together with the New Orleans Saints, and earlier in his career served as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Denver’s coaching shakeup underscores a push to improve offensive consistency as the team looks ahead to the offseason.