Lombardi named offensive coordinator

Joe Lombardi got his title.

In an announcement naming new Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s coaching staff Saturday afternoon, the franchise officially tabbed Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator.

League sources previously revealed Lombardi would reunite with new head coach Sean Payton as an offensive assistant. The only question that remained was whether he’d be the sole offensive coordinator — as he was for the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Among the other staff announcements, John Morton, a senior offensive assistant with Detroit last year, was named the team’s passing game coordinator, while Vance Joseph was officially named defensive coordinator.

Payton will almost assuredly call the plays on offense, like he did during his time as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. And he will do so with a familiar voice in his ear: Lombardi worked for 12 years under Payton in New Orleans, including two stints as the Saints’ quarterbacks coach ( 2009- 13 and 20162020) before and after OC gigs in Detroit ( 2014- 15) and Los Angeles ( 202122). He was fired from the latter after the Chargers were eliminated by Jacksonville in the first round of the playoffs in January.

Among the other staff hires made official Saturday on offense were Keary Colbert ( receivers), Declan Doyle ( tight ends) and Zach Strief ( offensive line). As expected, Christian Parker ( defensive backs) and Marcus Dixon ( defensive line) were both retained on the defensive side, while the hires of Greg Manusky ( inside linebackers) and Michael Wilhoite ( outside linebackers) were confirmed.

On special teams, Mike Westhoff was named assistant head coach, Ben Kotwica special teams coordinator and Chris Banjo assistant special teams coach. Dan Dalrymple was named head of strength and conditioning, with Korey Jones his assistant.