The Denver Broncos are making moves-and not the kind you see on the field.
Less than 48 hours after a tough 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, the Broncos have parted ways with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. It's a swift and decisive call from head coach Sean Payton and the front office, signaling that Denver isn’t content with coming up just short of the Super Bowl.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a typical playoff defeat. The Broncos were without rookie quarterback Bo Nix, and it showed.
The offense, which had found its footing late in the season, stalled when it mattered most. Against a stingy Patriots defense, Denver couldn't find the end zone and managed just seven points in a game where one more scoring drive might’ve punched their ticket to Santa Clara.
That offensive struggle was apparently enough to seal Lombardi’s fate.
Lombardi, who followed Payton from New Orleans to Denver, was brought in to help build a cohesive, efficient attack around a young quarterback. And for stretches of the season, it looked like the plan was working.
But in the biggest game of the year, the system broke down. No Nix, no rhythm, and ultimately, no points when the team needed them most.
The timing of the decision raised eyebrows. Earlier Tuesday, Payton held his standard end-of-season press conference and gave no hint that changes were coming.
But by the evening, reports confirmed that Lombardi was out. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can shift in the NFL-especially when the stakes are this high.
While the Broncos haven’t made an official announcement yet, the league has taken notice. Moves like this don’t happen in a vacuum. This is a calculated decision, one that suggests Denver is already eyeing the future-and possibly a new voice to lead the offense.
One name already being linked to the job? Quarterbacks coach Davis Webb.
Webb has earned praise inside the building for his work with Nix and the QB room, and there’s buzz that Denver might elevate him to keep him from bolting for a head coaching job elsewhere. He’s reportedly a strong candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders' vacancy, so the Broncos may be looking to lock him in before he’s out the door.
Regardless of who takes over, the message is clear: Denver isn’t satisfied with almost. They made it to the doorstep of the Super Bowl, and that’s not enough.
The offense needs to be better, more adaptable, and more explosive when the lights are brightest. And that starts with the coordinator.
Lombardi’s exit is a tough break, but it underscores the unforgiving nature of the NFL. One game, one performance, even one injury can change everything. For the Broncos, the search for a new offensive leader begins now-with a clear goal in mind: finish the job in 2026.