Looking for a bounce-back season in 2024 after going 8-9 a year ago, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and his coaching staff will look to work with a new quarterback and a plethora of new players. Alongside Payton, who fills out the rest of his staff?
Denver Broncos Coaching Staff
- Sean Payton, Head Coach
- Paul Kelly, Assistant to Head Coach
- Vance Joseph, Defensive Coordinator
- Jamar Cain, Defensive Line
- Jim Leonhard, Defensive Pass Game Coordinator / Defensive Backs
- Addison Lynch, Defensive Quality Control
- Greg Manusky, Inside Linebackers
- Isaac Shewmaker, Defensive Quality Control
- Joe Vitt, Senior Defensive Assistant
- Michael Wilhoite, Outside Linebackers
- Joe Lombardi, Offensive Coordinator
- Lou Ayeni, Running Backs
- Pete Carmichael, Senior Offensive Assistant
- Keary Colbert, Wide Receivers
- Declan Doyle, Tight Ends
- Zack Grossi, Offensive Quality Control
- Logan Kilgore, Offensive Quality Control
- Austin King, Assistant Offensive Line
- John Morton, Pass Game Coordinator
- Zach Strief, Offensive Line
- Favian Upshaw, Offensive Quality Control
- Davis Webb, Quarterbacks
- Mike Westhoff, Assistant Head Coach
- Ben Kotwica, Special Teams Coordinator
- Chris Banjo, Assistant Special Teams
Entering Payton’s second year with the Broncos, both offensive and defensive coordinators have been retained. OC Joe Lombardi will look to improve the 26th-ranked offense in terms of yards per game (298.4). Following the turmoil of Russell Wilson’s exit, he will, however, have a new quarterback in rookie Bo Nix.
Nix and Lombardi will attempt to improve the 24th-ranked passing offense, which averaged 191.9 yards per game in 2023 with 28 touchdowns. On the ground, Denver will benefit from the return of a healthy Javonte Williams as they strive to improve the 18th-ranked rushing offense, which averaged 106.5 yards per game with 28 touchdowns.
Defensively, Vance Joseph returns with 19 years of NFL experience. He’ll need to improve on the 29th-ranked defense in total yards, which allowed 370.8 yards per game and 46 touchdowns.
The Broncos’ pass defense ranked 22nd, allowing 233.6 yards per game and 29 touchdowns, while the rush defense ranked 30th, allowing 137.1 yards per game and 15 touchdowns.
New Additions to the Broncos Coaching Staff
While no coaches were fired, the final two remaining from Nathaniel Hackett’s coaching staff left Denver for lateral moves this past offseason. Defensive backs coach Christian Parker and defensive line coach Marcus Dixon moved to the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.
To replace them, Jim Leonhard was hired, and Jamar Cain was promoted. Leonhard was brought on as the defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator, while Cain was promoted to DL coach.
Leonhard joins the team after spending 2023 as a senior football analyst for Illinois. He also served as the defensive coordinator and interim head coach for Wisconsin in 2022. Additionally, he played in the NFL from 2005-2014, including a stint with the Broncos in 2012.
KEEP READING: Best NFL Head Coaches of All Time
Cain has been coaching since 2004 and spent 2023 as a pass-rush specialist for the Broncos, following his role as defensive line coach for LSU in 2022.
Pete Carmichael Jr. was also added to the staff as a senior offensive assistant. Carmichael and Payton previously worked together when Carmichael was the New Orleans Saints OC from 2009-2021. Carmichael remained with the Saints through 2023 before being let go.
