ENGLEWOOD, Colo — For most of Sean Payton's career as NFL head coach, he's had two trusted offensive assistants: Pete Carmichael Jr. and Joe Lombardi.
All three will be together again in 2024, this time with the Denver Broncos. A source confirmed to 9NEWS that Payton is about to add Carmichael to his Broncos' staff in a senior offensive role.
That move was expected since Carmichael was fired Jan. 16 by Saints head coach Dennis Allen, Payton's replacement there.
Lombardi was hired a year ago by Payton to become the Broncos' new offensive coordinator. Lombardi had been on Payton's staff in New Orleans from 2007-13 and again from 2016-2020.
Carmichael had been a top Payton offensive assistant continuously from 2006, Payton's first year as the Saints' head coach, through 2021, Payton's last year there. Carmichael was the Saints' quarterbacks coach from 2006-08, then was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2009, the year Payton and quarterback Drew Brees beat Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.
Payton was the Saints' offensive play caller during his 15 seasons as the Saints' head coach and again this past season with the Broncos. But Carmichael and Lombardi are trusted advisors both in game planning during the week and on game day with the play sheet.
After Payton took a year off from coaching in 2022, Carmichael stayed on as the Saints' offensive coordinator for two more years before Allen decided he wanted a fresh start offensively.
Although a title and contract has not been finalized, Carmichael is expected to become the third senior assistant on Payton's staff, joining Mike Westhoff on special teams and Joe Vitt on defense.
With Carmichael joining the Broncos, there is a chance offensive hybrid player Taysom Hill may not be far behind. Hill is a Payton/Carmichael creation who plays quarterback, Wildcat running back and H-back receiver on offense and also has been known to contribute on special teams as a returner and gunner.
In recent years, Hill has been especially used as a weapon in the red zone, where the Broncos struggled last year especially in goal-to-go situations. Hill currently has two years at $10 million each left on his contract although because none of that money is guaranteed it would be a surprise if adjustments are not made.
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