The Denver Broncos officially finalized their 2026 coaching staff, and Sean Payton is handing offensive play-calling duties to newly promoted offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
This comes after a strong 2025 defensive season and an offseason offensive shake-up that included the firing of coordinator Joe Lombardi and the promotion of Davis Webb. With the promotion of a young offensive mind and the return of some familiar faces to the Mile High City, the Broncos are doubling down on a specific vision for their future.
The staff includes veteran assistants and younger coaches who will continue working with quarterback Bo Nix in his third NFL season.
Let’s take a closer look.
Who is leading the Broncos’ offense in 2026?
Davis Webb has been promoted to offensive coordinator and will take over the primary play-calling duties for the Denver Broncos this season. This marks a notable offensive leadership change, as Sean Payton said Davis Webb will call plays in 2026. Webb is 31 and played six NFL seasons at quarterback. Webb previously served as the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach and offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator.
The move is designed to provide a fresh perspective for Bo Nix and the rest of the offensive unit. By elevating Webb, Payton is trusting a coach who has been in the room with the current roster and understands the nuances of the scheme. It is a bold play for a veteran head coach like Payton, but it reflects a growing league-wide trend of empowering younger, former players in high-level coordinator roles.
Fun fact: Davis Webb was a third-round draft pick in 2017 and spent six seasons in the NFL as a quarterback before transitioning directly into coaching with the Broncos.
What does the new-look offensive staff include?
The Broncos have bolstered their offensive coaching staff by bringing back John Morton as the offensive pass game coordinator and hiring former NFL receiver Willie Snead IV. Morton returns to Denver after a one-year stint in Detroit, providing a veteran presence to support the young Davis Webb. His previous experience with the organization ensures that there will be a level of continuity despite the changes at the top of the offensive hierarchy.
Willie Snead IV joins the staff as an offensive quality control coach, marking his first official foray into the NFL coaching world. Snead played for Sean Payton for three seasons in New Orleans and was known for his high football IQ and reliable hands. His addition is part of a larger strategy to bring in former players who have a deep understanding of Payton’s offensive standards and expectations.
Additional staff members on the offensive side include Logan Kilgore, who steps into the role of quarterbacks coach to fill the vacancy left by Webb. Chris Morgan will serve as the offensive line coach, working closely with Zach Strief, who retains his title as offensive run game coordinator and assistant head coach. This structure ensures that the run game and pass game are meticulously managed by specialists under Webb’s overarching vision.
How is the Broncos’ defense shaping up?
Vance Joseph returns for his fourth consecutive season as Denver’s defensive coordinator in 2026. In 2025, the Broncos ranked second in total defense and third in scoring defense.
To assist Joseph, the Broncos have hired Robert Livingston as the defensive pass game coordinator. Livingston arrives in Denver after a successful stint as the defensive coordinator for the University of Colorado, bringing a wealth of knowledge regarding modern secondary schemes. He will be joined by Doug Belk, who has been brought on to coach the defensive backs and help maintain the high level of play in the secondary.
The defensive line will continue to be coached by Jamar Cain, while the linebacking corps remains under the leadership of Jeff Schmedding and Isaac Shewmaker. This group has been the backbone of the team’s identity over the last two seasons, and keeping Joseph at the helm provides the stability necessary for another playoff push. The continuity on this side of the ball stands in stark contrast to the experimental shifts occurring on the offense.
Fun fact: Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph served as the head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2017 to 2018 before eventually returning as a coordinator.
Are there any changes to special teams or support staff?
Darren Rizzi continues his tenure as the special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, ensuring that Denver’s third unit remains disciplined. Rizzi is widely regarded as one of the best special teams minds in the league, and his dual role as assistant head coach highlights his importance to Sean Payton’s overall operation. He will be supported by assistant special teams coach Marwan Maalouf and quality control coach Zach Line.
The Broncos’ current official strength and conditioning staff lists Shaun Snee as Director of Strength & Conditioning, Dan Dalrymple as Head Strength & Conditioning, and Taylor Porter as Assistant Strength & Conditioning. These behind-the-scenes roles are vital for a team looking to avoid the late-season injury bugs that often derail playoff hopes. Paul Kelly also returns as the primary assistant to the head coach, managing the daily logistics and schedule for the entire coaching operation.
Fun fact: Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has over 30 years of coaching experience, including nearly two decades spent specifically in the NFL ranks.
TL;DR
- Davis Webb is the new offensive coordinator and will handle play-calling duties.
- Vance Joseph returns as defensive coordinator after leading a top-ranked unit in 2025.
- John Morton and Willie Snead IV join the offensive staff to add veteran experience and former-player insight.
- Robert Livingston and Doug Belk are the key new additions to the defensive coaching staff.
- Darren Rizzi remains in charge of special teams while serving as assistant head coach.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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