Broncos Dismiss OC Joe Lombardi, WR Coach Keary Colbert, CB Coach Addison Lynch
Following a disappointing postseason, the Denver Broncos are undergoing significant changes within their coaching staff. On Tuesday, head coach Sean Payton announced the termination of several coaches: offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, wide receivers coach Keary Colbert, and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch. This decision comes just two days after a narrow loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.
Coaching Staff Changes
Joe Lombardi, a notable figure in this shake-up, joined the Broncos in February 2023 and served as offensive coordinator for three seasons. His departure is significant, considering he had a long-standing professional relationship with Payton, spanning over 15 years. Payton expressed gratitude for Lombardi’s contributions, highlighting his instrumental role in the offense.
Keary Colbert had held the position of wide receivers coach for the same duration, while Addison Lynch was promoted to cornerbacks coach just last year. Lynch had previously excelled as a defensive quality control coach within the organization.
Payton’s Focus on Improvement
In a statement, Payton thanked all three coaches for their efforts during their tenure. Despite their work, the Broncos struggled with offensive consistency, particularly evident during critical moments in games. Following the end of the 2025 season, when the Broncos finished 10th in total yards and 14th in scoring, Payton voiced his dissatisfaction with various aspects of the offense.
Future Directions
The Broncos will conduct a thorough search for a new offensive coordinator, adhering to the NFL’s Rooney Rule that requires interviews with at least two minority candidates. As the team assesses potential candidates, there’s speculation surrounding passing-game coordinator Davis Webb, who recently interviewed for a head coach position with the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Current Coaches Dismissed:
- Joe Lombardi – Offensive Coordinator
- Keary Colbert – Wide Receivers Coach
- Addison Lynch – Cornerbacks Coach
- Season Performance:
- Ranked 10th in total yards in 2025.
- Ranked 14th in total points.
- Next Steps:
The Broncos will start searching for a new offensive coordinator and assess current staff for potential promotions.
As the Broncos navigate this transition, the coaching staff will need to focus on improving player performance and developing a cohesive strategy to enhance offensive output. The team’s ability to attract top talent, including possible internal promotions, will be crucial for future success.
