The Denver Broncos made one of the most dramatic coaching moves of the 2026 NFL offseason by parting ways with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi coaching history after their AFC Championship Game appearance. The decision came just days after a narrow postseason loss and instantly shifted the spotlight onto both Lombardi’s long NFL résumé and Denver’s plans for reshaping its offense.
The move surprised many around the league because it followed the franchise’s deepest playoff run in years. Yet for a team with Super Bowl ambitions, Denver’s leadership made it clear that reaching the conference title game was not the final goal. They want an offense capable of matching an elite defense and delivering consistently on the biggest stage.
Follow the full breakdown below to understand what led to this decision, how Lombardi’s career has evolved across the NFL, and what this change means for the Broncos moving forward.
Joe Lombardi Coaching History: From College Roots to the NFL Spotlight
Joe Lombardi was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1971 and grew up around football at the highest level. As the grandson of legendary coach Vince Lombardi, expectations and curiosity followed him from the moment he entered the profession. However, his coaching path was built through years of work rather than reputation alone.
Lombardi began his career in the mid-1990s at the college level, working in various assistant roles that helped him develop a detailed understanding of both offensive and defensive systems. Those early years shaped his approach to teaching fundamentals, quarterback mechanics, and game planning.
His transition to the NFL came in 2006, when he joined the Atlanta Falcons as a defensive assistant. Although his long-term future would be on the offensive side of the ball, that experience broadened his understanding of how defenses operate, an insight that later influenced his play design and quarterback preparation.
Establishing an Offensive Reputation in New Orleans
Lombardi’s career truly accelerated when he joined the New Orleans Saints in 2007. Working under head coach Sean Payton, he became part of one of the most innovative offensive staffs in the league. Initially serving as an offensive assistant, he soon earned the role of quarterbacks coach.
During this period, the Saints built one of the most productive passing attacks in NFL history. Lombardi played a direct role in the development and preparation of Drew Brees, helping guide offenses that routinely ranked near the top of the league in passing yards, efficiency, and scoring.
The 2009 season, which culminated in a Super Bowl championship for New Orleans, remains a defining chapter in Lombardi’s résumé. While Payton and Brees were the most visible figures, Lombardi’s work behind the scenes contributed to the structure and execution of an offense that set new standards for precision and balance.
First Test as an Offensive Coordinator
In 2014, Lombardi received his first opportunity to run an offense as a coordinator when he was hired by the Detroit Lions. Tasked with leading a unit featuring a high-profile quarterback and elite receiving talent, he faced the challenge of translating concepts into weekly results.
The experience was demanding and ultimately short-lived, but it added an important layer to his professional growth. Lombardi gained firsthand knowledge of game-day decision-making, play sequencing, and the pressure that comes with coordinating an NFL offense.
After leaving Detroit, he returned to New Orleans and resumed his role as quarterbacks coach. The second stint with the Saints allowed him to refine his teaching style and continue working within a proven offensive system, once again contributing to top-tier passing production.
Chargers Era and Development of a New Generation
Lombardi’s next major step came in 2021 when he joined the Los Angeles Chargers as offensive coordinator. There, he worked with a young, highly talented quarterback and helped guide an offense that emphasized timing, accuracy, and situational efficiency.
During his time in Los Angeles, the unit showed strong production, particularly in the passing game, and Lombardi further solidified his reputation as a coach capable of designing quarterback-friendly systems. His experience with both veteran and emerging signal-callers became one of his most valuable assets around the league.
Reunion With Sean Payton in Denver
When Sean Payton took over as head coach of the Denver Broncos, Lombardi was a natural choice to join the staff. The two had years of shared experience and a common offensive philosophy rooted in structure, route precision, and quarterback rhythm.
Lombardi was hired as offensive coordinator, though Payton retained play-calling duties. Over three seasons, the Broncos’ offense showed steady improvement in efficiency and overall yardage. The team gradually climbed the league rankings, reducing turnovers and becoming more effective in situational football.
The 2025 season marked the peak of that progress. Denver advanced through the playoffs and reached the AFC Championship Game, powered by a dominant defense and an offense that had found its identity.
The AFC Championship Game and the Turning Point
Despite the deep postseason run, the conference title game exposed lingering concerns. With injuries affecting key offensive players and conditions limiting the passing game, the Broncos struggled to sustain drives and generate points when it mattered most.
While the loss was narrow, the performance reinforced a belief within the organization that the offense still lacked the explosive consistency needed to compete for a Super Bowl. Shortly after the season ended, the team decided to make a change at offensive coordinator.
The dismissal of Lombardi was not a reflection of a single game, but rather an evaluation of the offense across multiple seasons. Denver’s leadership concluded that a new voice and a fresh approach could help unlock another level of production.
What Lombardi Leaves Behind in Denver
During Lombardi’s tenure, the Broncos achieved several key milestones:
- A steady rise in total offensive yardage over three seasons
- Improved efficiency in third-down and red-zone situations
- A balanced attack that supported a championship-caliber defense
- A return to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in years
Yet the ultimate standard in Denver is championships, not just progress. The organization’s decision reflects its commitment to pursuing the highest possible ceiling.
What Comes Next for the Broncos’ Offense
With the coordinator position now open, Denver faces a critical offseason decision. The next hire will shape the development of the quarterback, influence roster construction, and define the offensive identity for years to come.
Whether the team promotes from within or brings in an external candidate, the goal remains the same: create an attack that complements an elite defense and performs with consistency in high-pressure moments.
The Broader Legacy of Joe Lombardi
Joe Lombardi coaching history spans nearly three decades, from college sidelines to the NFL’s biggest stages. He has worked with Hall of Fame quarterbacks, coordinated high-powered offenses, and contributed to a Super Bowl championship.
His career reflects adaptability, persistence, and a deep understanding of offensive football. While his time in Denver has come to an end, his experience and track record ensure he will remain a respected figure in coaching circles.
The Broncos now turn the page, but Lombardi’s influence on modern offensive coaching, particularly in quarterback development, remains firmly established.
What do you think about this coaching change and its impact on Denver’s championship hopes? Share your perspective and stay tuned for further updates on the Broncos’ next move.