Broncos fire several coaches, including offensive coordinator, after loss to Patriots

New England Patriots

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is out, along with a receivers coach and a cornerbacks coach.

The Broncos announced Tuesday that they have parted ways with three assistant coaches in the aftermath of their AFC title game loss to the Patriots.

Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi, Wide Receivers Coach Keary Colbert, and Cornerbacks Coach Addison Lynch are no longer with the team.

“I want to thank these coaches for playing an important role in elevating our program over the last three seasons,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with Joe Lombardi for 15 years and am particularly grateful for his many contributions to our success as offensive coordinator.”

The Broncos fell to the Patriots 10-7 on Sunday, totaling just 181 yards of total offense. They averaged 3.3 yards per carry on the ground, and backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham went 17-for-31 passing while tallying 131 total yards.

Stidham threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr. in the first quarter, and Denver was shut out the rest of the way. Christian Elliss forced a fumble that set the Patriots up in prime field position for their only touchdown, Christian Barmore was disruptive up front, and Christian Gonzalez sealed the win with an interception on the Broncos’ final drive.

It was the only time this season that Denver scored less than 10 points. They beat the Raiders 10-7 during the regular-season. They scored 33 on the Bills in the divisional round after earning a first-round bye via the top seed in the AFC.

The Patriots, on the other hand, have held two of their three playoff opponents to a touchdown or less. They have only given up two touchdowns this postseason. They’re holding opponents to 71 rushing yards per game.

The touchdown to Mims was the Broncos’ only reception longer than 12 yards during Sunday’s game. Their longest rush went for nine yards.

Denver was without starting quarterback Bo Nix, who broke a bone in his ankle during the divisional round against Buffalo.

Weather also played a factor in the game, with snowy conditions slowing both offenses. The Patriots rushed for 141 yards, but Drake Maye only threw for 86 passing yards.

The Broncos’ seven points were less than the average (8.7) that the Patriots have allowed this postseason.

The Chargers also fired their offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, after losing to the Patriots in the wild-card round.

Khari A. Thompson

Sports Reporter

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.