The Denver Broncos' 2025 season came to a close just days ago, but the machinery of the 2026 offseason is already in motion. The organization has made its first significant post-season move, parting ways with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, while franchise quarterback Bo Nix has provided a detailed and optimistic update on his recovery from a season-ending injury.
Offensive Coordinator Search Begins In a move reported on Tuesday, January 27, the Broncos dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. The decision comes just two days after the team's 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Lombardi, who joined Head Coach Sean Payton's staff in 2023, oversaw an offense that showed flashes but struggled with consistency, particularly in the red zone and in critical late-game situations during the playoff run. His firing signals Payton's intent to reevaluate and potentially refresh the offensive philosophy heading into Nix's crucial third year. The search for a replacement will be a central storyline of the early offseason, with candidates expected to have a strong background in quarterback development and modern passing concepts.
Bo Nix Provides Recovery Timeline The emotional cost of the Broncos' Divisional Round victory was the loss of quarterback Bo Nix to a fractured right ankle. On January 29, Nix addressed the media, offering a sunnier prognosis than previously suggested. Contradicting some earlier characterizations of the injury, Nix described it as a "clean break" that required an "easy operation." He confidently stated he expects an "easy recovery" with "absolutely no issues," targeting a return to football activities in just 4-6 weeks. This timeline would have him fully healthy well before the team's offseason program begins, a crucial factor for his continued development. Nix, entering his third year in 2026, is coming off a Pro Bowl season where he threw for over 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns before the injury.
Front Office Stability Amid Change While changes are being made on the coaching staff, the top of the football operations structure remains secure. In his season-ending news conference on January 29, owner and CEO Greg Penner offered public endorsements of both General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton. This vote of confidence provides stability as the team navigates a critical offseason that will involve key free agency decisions, the NFL Draft, and now, a major hire at offensive coordinator. Penner emphasized the progress made since the new ownership group took over and expressed belief in the current leadership to take the final step to a championship.
Building the 2026 Roster The business of constructing next year's team has already begun on the margins. On January 29, the Broncos announced the signing of four players to reserve/future contracts for the 2026 season: offensive tackle Marques Cox, center Michael Deiter, guard Nash Jones, and defensive tackle Kristian Williams. These signings are standard procedure for adding depth to the offseason roster, with players competing for roles during training camp. More pressing will be decisions on impending free agents like defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, linebacker Alex Singleton, and tight end Evan Engram, who has expressed a desire to return to Denver after a challenging first year with the team.
The firing of Joe Lombardi marks the definitive turn of the page from the 2025 campaign. All focus now shifts to supporting Bo Nix's recovery, finding the right coach to maximize his talents, and building a roster capable of finishing the job that last season's team started.