Denver has a specific energy right now. It is that "Sean Payton energy." If you walk into the UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, you aren't just looking at a football team; you’re looking at a meticulously engineered machine. People always ask: who are the denver broncos coaches this year? But the better question is, how did Payton manage to lure this specific group of guys to the Mile High City?
Honestly, the staff list looks like a "Who’s Who" of former New Orleans Saints loyalists mixed with some of the most aggressive young minds in the league. It is a weird, effective blend. You’ve got Super Bowl winners, a guy who was literally playing quarterback in the NFL like five minutes ago, and a defensive coordinator who has survived more "hot seats" than a short-order cook.
The Big Three: Payton, Lombardi, and Joseph
At the top of the food chain, you have Sean Payton. He is the alpha. Period. Coming into 2026, he has basically reshaped the entire culture of the organization. He doesn’t just coach; he micromanages the vibe.
Joe Lombardi is the Offensive Coordinator. Yeah, that Lombardi. He’s the grandson of Vince, but in Denver, he is known as the guy who translates Payton’s complex "Air Coryell" hybrid system for the players. They’ve been together forever. Lombardi was with Payton in New Orleans for years, and that shorthand they have is why the Broncos' offense finally looks like it belongs in the 21st century.
Then there is Vance Joseph.
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His story is kinda wild. He was the head coach here, got fired, went to Arizona, and then came back to be the Defensive Coordinator under Payton. Usually, when you get fired as a head coach, you don't go back to the same building to work for the next guy. But Joseph has a thick skin. More importantly, he’s a brilliant defensive mind. Last season, his unit was top-tier in points allowed, proving that his aggressive 3-4 scheme still works if you have the right pieces like Pat Surtain II.
The "Assistant Head Coach" Club
Payton does this thing where he gives out the "Assistant Head Coach" title like it's candy, but there’s a method to it. He wants leaders at every level.
- Darren Rizzi: He’s the Special Teams Coordinator and an Assistant Head Coach. Denver snagged him after he served as the interim head coach for the Saints. He’s a special teams wizard.
- Zach Strief: This is a name you need to know. He’s the Offensive Run Game Coordinator and another Assistant Head Coach. Strief played for Payton for a decade. He knows exactly how Payton wants the offensive line to breathe.
- Jim Leonhard: A former Broncos player himself, Leonhard is the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and—you guessed it—an Assistant Head Coach. He is widely considered one of the smartest defensive minds in football.
The Youth Movement in the Meeting Rooms
You’ve probably heard of Davis Webb. He’s the Offensive Pass Game Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach.
The crazy part? Webb was a backup QB in the league as recently as 2022. He jumped straight from the jersey to the clipboard. Payton loves him because Webb sees the game through a modern lens. He speaks the same language as the young guys on the roster.
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Then there’s the homecoming of Todd Davis. If you remember Super Bowl 50, you remember Davis flying around the field. He’s now on the staff as a Defensive Quality Control coach. It’s a "bottom of the ladder" job for a guy with a ring, but that’s how you build a coaching career. He’s learning the ropes from Vance Joseph and Jim Leonhard.
The Full Coaching Roster (As of 2026)
If you’re looking for the specific names in the trenches, here is how the staff is currently filled out. It’s a deep group.
Offense:
- Joe Lombardi: Offensive Coordinator
- Davis Webb: Offensive Pass Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks
- Zach Strief: Offensive Run Game Coordinator/Assistant HC
- Keary Colbert: Wide Receivers
- Lou Ayeni: Running Backs
- Austin King: Tight Ends
- Chris Morgan: Assistant Offensive Line
- Pete Carmichael: Senior Offensive Assistant (Another Saints veteran)
Defense:
- Vance Joseph: Defensive Coordinator
- Jim Leonhard: Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Assistant HC
- Jamar Cain: Defensive Line
- Isaac Shewmaker: Linebackers
- Addison Lynch: Cornerbacks
- Joe Vitt: Senior Defensive Assistant
- Todd Davis: Defensive Quality Control
Special Teams & Strength:
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- Darren Rizzi: Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant HC
- Marwan Maalouf: Assistant Special Teams
- Shaun Snee: Director of Strength and Conditioning
- Dan Dalrymple: Head Strength and Conditioning
Why This Specific Staff Matters
What most people get wrong about who are the denver broncos coaches is thinking it’s just a collection of Payton’s friends. It isn't. It’s a tactical hedge.
Payton hired Joe Vitt and Pete Carmichael because they know his system so well they can finish his sentences. This allows Payton to focus on the "big picture" stuff. Meanwhile, he brought in guys like Jim Leonhard and Davis Webb to make sure the team doesn't become a dinosaur.
The NFL moves fast. If you only hire guys you worked with in 2009, you’re going to get lapped. By mixing the "Old Guard" Saints coaches with "New School" minds, Denver has created a staff that is both stable and innovative.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're watching a Broncos game this season, keep an eye on the sidelines.
- Watch the substitutions: Darren Rizzi is aggressive. If you see the Broncos pulling off weird fake punts or unique return formations, that is the Rizzi influence.
- The QB-Webb Connection: Notice how the quarterbacks interact with Davis Webb. He’s often the first person they talk to when they come off the field.
- The "Payton" Folders: Sean Payton is famous for his play-calling sheet. It’s massive. But watch how often he consults with Joe Lombardi before a third-down play. That partnership is the engine of the offense.
The Broncos coaching staff is built for a long-term rebuild that turned into a "win-now" window. It is heavy on experience and even heavier on loyalty to Sean Payton’s vision.
To get the most out of following the team, keep a close watch on the official Broncos transactions page during the offseason. Coaching changes usually happen in late January and February, and Payton isn't afraid to shuffle the deck if he feels the chemistry is off. Pay special attention to the "Quality Control" assistants; in Payton's system, those are the guys who usually become coordinators within three to four years.