Home / Sports / Payton Axes OC Lombardi Following Late-Season Offensive Woes
Payton Axes OC Lombardi Following Late-Season Offensive Woes
28 Jan
Summary
- Joe Lombardi fired as offensive coordinator two days after loss.
- Offense struggled significantly in the second half of recent games.
- Broncos defense ranked among the league's best this season.
Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton has dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, according to sources. This move follows Payton's recent assessment that the team's offense was insufficient for a Super Bowl run. The decision comes after a particularly poor offensive performance in the second half of a recent 10-7 loss. During that game, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham at the helm, the Broncos managed only 32 yards after halftime and struggled with possession.
Payton, who serves as the team's playcaller, expressed frustration with the offense at various points during the season. Lombardi had been on Payton's staff with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Broncos in 2023. While Lombardi worked from the coaches' booth, Payton was the direct voice in the quarterback's helmet.
The Broncos' defense was a major strength, ranking No. 1 in sacks and red zone defense during the regular season. This defensive prowess contributed to an 11-2 record in one-score games. Despite these defensive successes, the offense ranked 14th in scoring and 10th in offensive EPA during the regular season, prompting Payton's focus on offseason improvements, particularly in the run game.
