The Denver Broncos are making moves-and not the kind that show up on the stat sheet.
On Tuesday, the team fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, a notable shake-up considering head coach Sean Payton is the one who calls the plays and steers the offensive ship. Still, the decision signals that Payton felt a change was needed on the coaching staff, perhaps to spark a new direction or to better align with his vision heading into a pivotal stretch for the franchise.
Lombardi’s departure opens the door for a possible internal promotion, and all eyes are now on Davis Webb. The Broncos’ current quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator has been turning heads around the league, reportedly drawing serious interest as a potential head coaching candidate. If he’s elevated to OC, it would be a rapid rise for the 28-year-old-one that could inject fresh energy into Denver’s offense.
As for Lombardi, 54, this marks another chapter in a long and winding coaching journey. He got his start at Dayton back in 1996 as a defensive line coach and steadily climbed the ranks.
His NFL break came in 2006 with the Falcons as a defensive assistant, but it was his time with the New Orleans Saints that really shaped his offensive credentials. Hired by New Orleans in 2007, Lombardi eventually became the quarterbacks coach, working closely with Drew Brees during some of the most prolific years in franchise history.
In 2014, the Detroit Lions tapped Lombardi to be their offensive coordinator. That stint lasted two seasons before he returned to New Orleans in 2016, once again coaching quarterbacks under Sean Payton.
In 2021, he took over as the Chargers’ OC, where he helped guide Justin Herbert through key developmental seasons before being let go after two years. The Broncos brought him on in 2023, reuniting him with Payton in what many thought would be a seamless transition.
But things didn’t pan out that way in Denver. Whether it was inconsistent quarterback play, struggles in the red zone, or an overall lack of rhythm on offense, the unit never quite clicked under Lombardi’s watch.
And while Payton’s fingerprints are all over the playbook, the OC role still carries weight in game prep, personnel usage, and week-to-week adjustments. Clearly, something wasn’t working.
Now the Broncos are resetting, and with Davis Webb in the mix, they might be turning to a younger voice to help reshape the offense. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off if it brings clarity and cohesion to a unit that’s been searching for both.
Lombardi, meanwhile, has a deep résumé and a wealth of experience. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him land another role soon, whether it’s back in a quarterback room or helping shape an offense from behind the scenes. But for now, Denver is moving forward-and doing so with a clear message: the status quo wasn’t enough.