Ex-Broncos coach talks surprising dismissal, thinks Sean Payton 'was in one of those moods'

The Denver Broncos shook up their coaching unit this week pursuing a heartbreaking 10-7 nonaccomplishment to the New England Patriots.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, wide receivers manager Keary Colbert and cornerbacks manager Addison Lynch were dismissed connected Tuesday adjacent arsenic the squad finished 10th successful yards gained, 14th successful points scored, and the squad won the AFC West with a 14-3 record.

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Denver Broncos violative coordinator Joe Lombardi, center, confers with Denver Broncos quarterbacks Ian Book (5) and Blake Stenstrom (4) arsenic they instrumentality portion successful drills during the NFL shot team's rookie minicamp, May 10, 2025, successful Centennial, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Lombardi, whose gramps was the large Vince Lombardi, had been the Broncos’ violative coordinator since 2023. He opened up astir his dismissal connected Wednesday.

"Sean decided to determination on, and I conjecture that's each determination is to say," helium told the Denver Gazette. "I don’t deliberation it’s ever a astonishment (in the NFL). Not really. … I deliberation you could archer helium (Payton) was successful 1 of those moods wherever helium felt similar immoderate changes needed to beryllium made and I conjecture helium decided 1 of those was me.

"So I’ve been astir him agelong capable to benignant of work the beverage leaves, I guess."

Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos instrumentality the tract anterior to a crippled against the Jacksonville Jaguars astatine Empower Field At Mile High connected Dec. 21, 2025 successful Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

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Lombardi denied the assertion that helium was utilized arsenic a scapegoat. He told the outlet helium conscionable believed Payton was looking to spell successful a "different direction."

It’s unclear who the Broncos volition people to capable the violative coordinator spot.

Denver Broncos caput manager Sean Payton speaks during a quality league pursuing the AFC Championship Game betwixt the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots successful Denver, Colorado, connected Jan. 25, 2026. (Garrett W. Ellwood/AP Photo)

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Davis Webb, a erstwhile NFL quarterback, has been highly sought aft successful this year’s coaching carousel. He presently serves arsenic the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach.

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