The Denver Broncos announced the immediate dismissal of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi following the 31‑24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. After a 12‑5 regular season and an AFC West title, the Broncos cited inconsistent offensive production and a lack of scoring in the title game as the primary reasons for the change.
Why Lombardi Was Dismissed
Offensive Struggles in 2025 Season
Denver’s offense averaged just 22.8 points per game, the lowest output of any playoff team. The passing attack ranked 24th in yards per game, and the unit recorded a sub‑250‑yard average in the final three regular‑season contests. Protection issues led to 38 sacks on quarterback Russell Wilson, the second‑most in the league.
AFC Championship Game Highlights
In the title game, the Broncos managed only 14 points in the first half and never recovered. The offense stalled on three consecutive three‑and‑out drives in the second quarter, and play‑calling became overly conservative, relying on short passes and runs that failed to challenge the Chiefs’ defense.
Lombardi’s Tenure Overview
Early Years and System Implementation
Joe Lombardi joined Denver in 2023, hired by head coach Sean Payton to modernize a traditionally run‑heavy attack. He introduced a balanced, play‑action‑heavy scheme aimed at maximizing the talents of Russell Wilson, Jerry Jeudy, and rookie Malik Harris.
Season‑by‑Season Performance
- 2023: Finished 9‑8, missed playoffs but posted a 34‑point outburst against Seattle in Week 12.
- 2024: Improved to 10‑7, earned a wild‑card berth, fell to the Buffalo Bills in the first round.
- 2025: Recorded a 12‑5 record and won the AFC West, yet offensive inconsistency persisted, culminating in the AFC Championship loss.
What’s Next for Denver’s Offense
Potential Coordinator Candidates
- Shane Stewart – former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator known for a high‑tempo passing game.
- Matt LaFleur – former Patriots assistant praised for creative play designs.
- Other experienced play‑callers with a track record of boosting aerial attacks.
Impact on Russell Wilson and Staff
A new coordinator could tailor a scheme that better suits Wilson’s veteran skill set, potentially improving his career‑low passer rating of 84.3 in 2025. Continuity may be maintained by retaining wide‑receivers coach Mike Miller and run‑game coordinator Chris Baker, while defensive coordinator Sean Baker will need to adjust to any shift in time‑of‑possession strategy.
Looking Ahead to the Offseason
The Broncos plan to begin coordinator interviews within the next week, aiming to have a new hire in place before Organized Team Activities in May. The franchise’s goal remains clear: translate regular‑season success into a Super Bowl victory by establishing a championship‑caliber offense.
