Broncos Country is going through some sweeping changes heading into next season.
The Denver Broncos announced Tuesday that the team was firing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, wide receivers coach Keary Colbert, and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch. Head coach Sean Payton shared the news during his press conference two days after the Broncos fell short of the Super Bowl.
“I want to thank these coaches for playing an important role in elevating our program over the last three seasons,” Payton said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with Joe Lombardi for 15 years and am particularly grateful for his many contributions to our success as offensive coordinator.
“We sincerely appreciate Joe, Keary and Addison’s hard work and wish them all the best in the future.”
Lombardi, the grandson of legendary coach Vince Lombardi, first started working under Sean Payton in 2007 as an offensive assistant for the New Orleans Saints. He was later promoted to quarterbacks coach, working alongside a prime Drew Brees until 2014.
After a two-year stint as the Detroit Lions’ OC, Lombardi reprised his QB coach role under Payton from 2016 to 2021. Payton hired Lombardi to be his offensive coordinator when he became the Broncos’ head coach in 2023.
Lombardi was the first name reported to be fired, with Payton later breaking the news that Colbert and Lynch were also headed out the door.
Several fans piled on Payton for his “arrogance” for one particularly bold call he made during the AFC Championship. Could Lombardi have actually been behind the play that may have swung the AFC title game? It’s within the realm of possibility.
