I’m Experienced Enough to Read the Tea Leaves,’ Joe Lombardi Said, Clarifying That Sean Payton Had Wrongly Blamed Him After the Broncos Fired Him Following Their Loss to the Patriots in the AFC Finals

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where one game can define a season and one decision can end a career, the Denver Broncos’ abrupt firing of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has sparked intense discussion across the league. The move came swiftly—just two days after the Broncos fell 10-7 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on January 25, 2026, ending their promising run one victory short of the Super Bowl.

Lombardi, a longtime collaborator with head coach Sean Payton, addressed the dismissal in candid interviews, pushing back against suggestions that Payton had unfairly pinned blame on him for the offensive shortcomings in that crucial defeat.

Lombardi, 54, had been Payton’s trusted aide for over 15 years. Their partnership began in New Orleans with the Saints in 2007, where Lombardi served in various offensive roles during Payton’s tenure as head coach, including stints that contributed to the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory. When Payton took over the Broncos in 2023, Lombardi followed as offensive coordinator, helping navigate the team through a rebuilding phase that culminated in this season’s surprising playoff push.

Under Lombardi’s guidance, the Broncos’ offense showed improvement, particularly in developing young talent and adapting to injuries, including relying on a backup quarterback in the title game.

Yet, the AFC Championship exposed vulnerabilities. The Broncos’ attack managed only a field goal and struggled to sustain drives against a stout Patriots defense. Payton, who calls the plays himself, faced criticism for conservative decisions, including a failed fourth-down attempt late in the game that proved costly. In his postgame comments, Payton expressed frustration with the unit’s execution, stating the offense “didn’t do enough” to secure a trip to the Super Bowl. Those remarks fueled speculation that Lombardi was being positioned as a scapegoat, especially given Payton’s history of bold, sometimes controversial staff moves.

The firing was announced on January 27, 2026, alongside the departures of wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch. Payton released a brief statement thanking the coaches for their contributions but offering little detail on the rationale. Insiders suggested the changes were part of a broader effort to refresh the staff, potentially to retain promising assistant Davis Webb, who has drawn interest from other teams as a potential play-caller.

Lombardi broke his silence the following day in an interview with The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. Far from bitter, he described the decision as unsurprising in the unforgiving NFL landscape. “Sean decided to move on, and I guess that’s all there is to say,” Lombardi said. “I don’t think it’s ever a surprise (in the NFL). Not really.” He revealed that he had sensed tension building, noting 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.”

The phrase “read the tea leaves”—an idiom for interpreting subtle signs—underscored Lombardi’s deep familiarity with Payton’s temperament after more than a decade together. It also subtly shifted the narrative: rather than accepting blame, Lombardi implied he had foreseen the outcome based on Payton’s demeanor, not on any specific failing of his own. He firmly rejected the idea that he was scapegoated, pointing to the team’s achievement in reaching the conference finals. “We made it to the AFC Championship,” he said. “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. (Payton) just wanted to go in another direction.”

This response highlighted a nuanced dynamic. Lombardi emphasized appreciation for the long employment under Payton, calling it “part of the business” and expressing gratitude. Yet his comments carried an undercurrent of clarification—he was not the one at fault for the offensive woes, especially since Payton retained final say on play-calling. Observers noted the irony: Payton, known for his offensive acumen, had drawn scrutiny for in-game choices, yet the coordinator bore the immediate consequence.

The Broncos’ season had been one of resurgence. After years of mediocrity, they earned the AFC’s top seed and advanced through the playoffs with grit. The loss to the Patriots, a low-scoring defensive battle, left fans and analysts debating what went wrong. Some pointed to schematic rigidity or conservative play-calling in key moments, areas where Lombardi’s input, though advisory, was part of the broader staff effort. Others defended the staff, arguing that reaching the AFC Finals with challenges—including injuries—was a success worth building on.

Lombardi’s measured tone contrasted with louder criticisms from outside voices. Former NFL coach Jay Gruden and others questioned the timing and logic of the move, suggesting it reflected poorly on Payton’s leadership. Social media buzzed with fans debating whether the firing was ego-driven or a necessary reset. Regardless, it marked the end of a significant chapter in Payton-Lombardi’s partnership, one that spanned championships and rebuilds.

As the Broncos enter the offseason, questions linger about the offensive direction. Will they promote from within, perhaps elevating Webb? Or seek fresh ideas to complement Payton’s vision? For Lombardi, the future remains open. His track record—including prior success with the Saints and Lions—positions him well for another opportunity, whether as a coordinator or in a different role.

In the NFL, loyalty and results often collide. Lombardi’s graceful exit, framed by his ability to “read the tea leaves,” serves as a reminder that even close allies can part ways when the pressure mounts. The Broncos’ quest for a Super Bowl continues, but this shake-up ensures the coming months will be as scrutinized as the season that just ended.