Broncos coordinator Joe Lombardi knew firing was coming: Sean Payton ‘was in one of those moods’

Joe Lombardi wasn’t shocked by the Broncos firing him.

The offensive coordinator worked under Sean Payton for many years with the Saints, primarily as quarterbacks coach, and has a feel for Payton’s temperament.

So even though Denver reached the AFC Championship game and only lost by a field goal with its backup quarterback, Lombardi, 54, could sense his job wasn’t secure.

Joe Lombardi during training camp in 2025. Denver Post via Getty Images

“Sean decided to move on, and I guess that’s all there is to say,’’ Lombardi told The Denver Gazette. “I don’t think it’s ever a surprise (in the NFL). Not really. … I think you could tell he (Payton) was in one of those moods where he felt like some changes needed to be made and I guess he decided one of those was me. So I’ve been around him long enough to kind of read the tea leaves, I guess.”

Lombardi, who joined the Broncos from the Chargers when Payton became Denver’s head coach in 2023, doesn’t believe he was scapegoated.

“Well, we made it to the AFC Championship,’’ Lombardi told the outlet. “I don’t know why there needs to be a scapegoat, so I’m not sure what I’m being scapegoated for. I thought it was a good season. So, no, I didn’t feel like that in any way. I just think (Payton) just wanted to go in another direction.”

Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb has gotten head coaching interviews and is also an offensive coordinator target for teams, including the Giants.

Denver averaged the 10th-most yards in the NFL during the 2025 season with 342.6, and they were 14th in points per game with 23.6.

Second-year quarterback Bo Nix, taken No. 12 overall in 2024, helped lead the Broncos to a 14-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the AFC by completing 63.4 percent of his passes, while throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Sean Payton speaks to reporters on Jan. 27, 2026. AP

But Nix suffered an ankle fracture late in the Broncos’ divisional round win over the Bills, forcing backup Jarrett Stidham into action for Sunday’s AFC Championship loss to the Patriots.

With snow greatly impacting the game in the second half, Stidham finished 17-for-31 with 133 yards, one touchdown and a late interception that ended the Broncos’ chances.

He also lost a fumble in the second quarter on a backward pass that led to a Drake Maye rushing touchdown before halftime.