Joe Lombardi hiring creates smoother process for Sean Payton and Broncos

Newly hired Denver head coach Sean Payton wants a smooth offensive transition for the Broncos. It might be why he appointed recently fired Chargers OC Joe Lombardi as Denver OC on Saturday.

Lombardi and Payton have 10 years of experience together. He worked under Payton from 2007-13 as an offensive assistant and QB coach. After two seasons as Detroit OC, Lombardi returned to New Orleans as QB coach from 2016-20. 

Since Lombardi has extensive experience with Payton, he likely has a firm grasp of his offensive philosophy, meaning he can explain it well and help Denver's players quickly understand it. 

Also, he maximizes QB performance, something Denver needs after Russell Wilson posted career lows in passer rating (84.4) and passing TDs (16).

Former Lions QB Matthew Stafford made his only Pro Bowl appearance and threw the second-most TDs in his career (32), while Lombardi was his OC, and Chargers QB Justin Herbert was second in passing yards in 2021 and 2022. 

Also, the Chargers became the first team to have six players with 500 receiving yards or more and three or more receiving TDs, beneficial for Denver's young receiving corps, Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and Greg Dulcich.  

Although the Chargers fired Lombardi after an epic post-season collapse in Jacksonville, he will likely produce better results in Denver because Payton is more experienced than Chargers HC Brandon Staley. 

The Lombardi and Payton partnership won't solve all problems, but it inspires confidence because it establishes a sharp offensive mainframe.