Bo Nix Reflects on Injury, Broncos Make Coaching Change, and Eric Bieniemy Returns to Familiar Territory
Bo Nix on Missing the Moment-and Fueling the Fire
Bo Nix didn’t get the chance to suit up for the Broncos in the AFC Championship, and that stung. The rookie quarterback, who had been steadily growing into his role all season, was sidelined with an ankle injury during Denver’s playoff run. And for Nix, watching from the sidelines wasn’t just frustrating-it was a reminder of what he’s chasing.
“It was a bummer,” Nix said. “It was a tough week. Not the most fun I’ve ever had playing football.”
That’s the kind of raw honesty you want from your quarterback. But Nix didn’t stop there. He spoke like a player who’s already turned the page, using the setback as motivation.
“Life teaches you lessons. This adversity is good,” he added.
“It’s just going to make playing in one of these games all that much more special… I can’t go back and play in that one, but I can do something to see how many I can play in in the future. That drives me.”
This is a young QB already sounding like a veteran-processing pain, learning from it, and letting it fuel the next chapter.
As for the injury itself, Nix clarified that it wasn’t tied to any lingering issue. That point became necessary after head coach Sean Payton suggested the ankle problem might have stemmed from a pre-existing condition. Nix pushed back on that narrative.
“Nothing predisposed, nothing that was there originally,” he said. “Just a simple step with my foot up in the air, my body weight came down on it, sort of got twisted up… It could have been a worse landing, but I think all that force went into the only place it could.”
And then came the subtle-but pointed-response to Payton’s earlier comments.
“I don’t think he really should share how many surgeries I’ve had in the past, to be honest with you-he doesn’t even really know that,” Nix said. “But it’s going to be good to get back, get back to work. Nothing really that concerns me, nothing that scares me moving forward.”
That’s a player who’s confident in his recovery-and not afraid to set the record straight.
Broncos Part Ways with Joe Lombardi
The Broncos also made a big move on the coaching front, parting ways with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi following their playoff exit. Lombardi had been a longtime lieutenant of Sean Payton-12 years in New Orleans and three more in Denver-but even long-term partnerships have expiration dates in the NFL.
“Sean decided to move on, and I guess that’s all there is to say,” Lombardi said. “I don’t think it’s ever a surprise. Not really… I think you could tell he was in one of those moods where he felt like some changes needed to be made, and I guess he decided one of those was me.”
No bitterness there-just a veteran coach who understands the business. Lombardi acknowledged the run they had, and the reality that sometimes, change is just part of the job.
“I’ve been around him long enough to kind of read the tea leaves, I guess,” he added. “He employed me for a long time. I’m appreciative of that.”
Now, the Broncos will look to reset offensively, and it’ll be interesting to see who Payton brings in to help mold Nix in year two.
Eric Bieniemy Reunites with Mahomes and Kelce
Meanwhile, in Kansas City, a familiar face is back in the building. Eric Bieniemy has returned as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, rekindling a partnership with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce that helped define one of the league’s most explosive offenses in recent memory.
Bieniemy hasn’t wasted time reconnecting with his stars-not with X’s and O’s just yet, but on a personal level.
“I’ve had just a small, minimum conversation with both (Mahomes and Kelce), and they all have been great,” Bieniemy said. “More than anything, it’s just the excitement of reuniting.”
Bieniemy noted how good it felt to see them again during the preseason, and now that he’s officially back in the fold, the energy is real.
“It just feels good to sit down and have conversations with guys,” he said. “To be honest, I have not talked football or anything. It’s just the excitement of seeing each other, asking how they’re doing, and making sure everything is good moving forward.”
That’s the kind of chemistry you can’t coach-it’s built over years of shared success. And Bieniemy is clearly fired up to get back into the grind with the guys who helped him build his coaching résumé.
“Is the excitement high? Yes.
Am I fired up? Yes.
Do I respect the hell out of both of those guys? Yes,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to the grind and chopping wood with them.”
With Bieniemy back in the mix, the Chiefs are reloading-not rebuilding-and that should be a scary thought for the rest of the AFC.
Bottom Line
The Broncos are navigating a pivotal offseason: Bo Nix is healing and hungry, while Sean Payton reshapes his offensive staff. In Kansas City, the band is getting back together with Bieniemy, Mahomes, and Kelce ready to make more magic. The AFC playoff picture may be set for now-but the chess pieces are already moving for next season.