The Denver Broncos are making some significant changes to their coaching staff, parting ways with three assistants as they begin reshaping the team ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, wide receivers coach Keary Colbert, and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch were all let go on Tuesday, a move that signals head coach Sean Payton is looking to recalibrate key areas of his team.
Lombardi’s departure is the headline here, and it’s a notable one. He’s been one of Payton’s longtime collaborators, with their coaching relationship dating back to their New Orleans Saints days.
From 2007 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2020, Lombardi served under Payton in various offensive roles before reuniting with him in Denver in 2023. That kind of continuity is rare in the NFL, and it speaks to the trust Payton placed in Lombardi to help install and execute his offensive vision.
But after a season that didn’t quite live up to expectations on the offensive side of the ball, Payton is clearly ready to go in a different direction. In a statement, he thanked Lombardi for his contributions, calling him an important figure in the program’s development and acknowledging their long-standing professional relationship.
Keary Colbert’s exit also marks the end of a short but notable stint in Denver. The former USC standout and longtime college coach made the leap to the NFL in 2023 when he joined the Broncos’ staff. His time in Denver was brief, but he played a role in developing a young receiving corps that showed flashes of promise throughout the season.
Addison Lynch, meanwhile, had a quick rise within the Broncos' coaching ranks. He joined the team in 2023 as a defensive quality control coach and was promoted to cornerbacks coach in 2025. His background includes stops with three other NFL teams, and while his time in Denver was relatively short, he was part of a defensive staff that had some bright spots, particularly in the secondary.
Now, with three key vacancies on his staff, Payton has some important decisions to make. These hires will shape the direction of the Broncos heading into a pivotal 2026 season. The offensive coordinator role, in particular, will be closely watched - not just for how it impacts the quarterback position, but for how it aligns with Payton’s broader offensive philosophy.
This kind of turnover isn’t uncommon in the NFL, especially when a team is trying to find the right formula to compete. For Payton and the Broncos, the next steps will be crucial.
The foundation is there, but the execution needs to match the vision. And that starts with the right people in the right roles.