"Lombardi had spent 12 years, over two different stints, on Payton's staff with the New Orleans Saints and had been the Broncos' offensive coordinator since Payton was hired in 2023. Payton, however, is the team's playcaller on gameday. As the Broncos' offensive coordinator, Lombardi was in the coaches' booth on gameday and among those on the headset with Payton during games as Payton was the voice in Nix's helmet."
"The Broncos sported one of the league's best defenses this season -- No. 1 in sacks and in red zone in the regular season, second on third down, third in scoring defense and surrendered the fewest yards per play overall (4.46). Fueled by that defense, the Broncos also went 11-2 in one-score games in the regular season, most one-score wins in NFL history, before winning another one-score game, in overtime, over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional round."
Sean Payton dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi two days after calling the offense insufficient to reach the Super Bowl. With backup Jarrett Stidham replacing injured Bo Nix, the Broncos gained 32 yards in the second half of the AFC Championship Game, had only one first down after halftime and no possession longer than 17 yards in the third or fourth quarters. Payton said he would start with himself and cited first-half momentum and field position as issues. Lombardi had 12 years on Payton's Saints staff and had been Denver's offensive coordinator since 2023 while Payton called plays. Denver's defense ranked among the league's best and fueled many one-score wins.
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