Joe Lombardi: Related to Vince | Fired | Trophy | Family | Chargers

In the world of the National Football League (NFL), few names are as iconic as Lombardi. For most football fans, that name instantly brings to mind Vince Lombardi — the legendary coach whose leadership of the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s defined an era of professional football. But the Lombardi legacy didn’t stop with Vince. His grandson, Joe Lombardi, has carved out his own coaching journey in the NFL over more than two decades.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Joe Lombardi — from his family connection to Vince, his career highs and lows (including being fired), his connection to NFL trophies, his time with the Los Angeles Chargers, and his life off the field.

Who Is Joe Lombardi?

Joe Lombardi is an American football coach and former player who most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in the NFL. Born on June 6, 1971, in Seattle, Washington, Joe played college football at the United States Air Force Academy before launching his coaching career. Over the years, he’s worked in various assistant and coordinator roles with NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos.

Despite his famous last name, Joe has spent much of his professional life striving to create his own identity in football — separate from that of his grandfather. Yet, the Lombardi legacy remains an inescapable part of his story.

Joe Lombardi’s Connection to Vince Lombardi

One of the most frequently asked questions about Joe is, “Is he related to Vince Lombardi?” The answer is a definitive yes.

Joe is the (biological) grandson of Vince Lombardi, the Hall of Fame coach whose success with the Green Bay Packers made him one of the most celebrated figures in NFL history.

How They’re Related

• Vince Lombardi had two children: Vince Lombardi Jr. and Susan Lombardi.

• Joe Lombardi is the son of Vince Lombardi Jr., making him Vince’s grandson.

Joe was born nine months after Vince died in 1970, which means he never met his grandfather personally. Despite that, Joe grew up surrounded by tales of Vince’s greatness — complete with memorabilia such as a replica Lombardi Trophy in the family home.

This family connection has been both a blessing and a challenge. On the one hand, it maintains a powerful legacy in the game. On the other, Joe has frequently spoken about trying to define his own coaching path rather than simply being known as “Vince Lombardi’s grandson.”

The Lombardi Trophy Connection

The Vince Lombardi Trophy — awarded each year to the team that wins the Super Bowl — is named in honor of Joe’s grandfather. Created in 1966 and later renamed after Vince’s death, the trophy symbolizes excellence and the pinnacle of NFL achievement.

Why It Matters to Joe

While Joe didn’t compete for the trophy personally as a player, his coaching career has been deeply influenced by the legacy the trophy represents. Notably, Joe was on the Saints’ coaching staff when they won Super Bowl XLIV, earning him his own championship ring — a remarkable connection to a trophy that carries his family’s name.

His perspective is unique: not only is Joe striving for NFL glory as a coach, he’s doing so with the family name forever linked to the sport’s greatest prize.

Coaching Career Path

Joe Lombardi’s coaching roots reach back to college football and the Air Force Academy — an early sign of his determination to succeed. After graduating in 1994, he began coaching at the University of Dayton while serving in the Air Force, eventually making his way into the NFL.

Early Years

• University of Dayton: First coaching job while still in the Air Force.

• Atlanta Falcons: Defensive assistant.

• New Orleans Saints: Worked as an offensive assistant and later as a quarterbacks coach.

These early roles helped Joe build his coaching philosophy and develop a reputation as a detail-oriented and player-focused coach.

NFL Offensive Coordinator Roles

Joe’s rise in the coaching ranks included several stints as an offensive coordinator, underscoring both his expertise and the challenges of NFL coaching dynamics:

Detroit Lions

In 2014, Joe became the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. However, his tenure was cut short, and he was fired midseason in 2015 following a difficult start with the team.

Los Angeles Chargers

Joe then served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers beginning in 2021. While he brought experience and continuity to the Chargers’ offense, his stint ended following the team’s wild card playoff loss in the 2022 season, after which he was fired.

Denver Broncos

In 2023, Joe reunited with former Saints head coach Sean Payton when he was hired as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator. However, in January 2026, Joe Lombardi was again dismissed — this time from the Broncos — following a disappointing playoff loss.

These firings illustrate both the cutthroat nature of NFL coaching and Joe’s resilience. Each setback offered a lesson, forcing Lombardi to adapt, improve, and continue moving forward in his career.

Joe Lombardi With the Chargers

When Joe Lombardi joined the Los Angeles Chargers as the offensive coordinator in 2021, it marked another significant chapter in his career.

Chargers Tenure Highlights

• Joe reunited with head coach Brandon Staley, a coach he knew from their earlier coaching days.

• His tenure focused on developing offensive schemes and maximizing the potential of standout players.

But like his previous coordinator roles, his time with the Chargers ended abruptly due to performance and playoff outcomes — a reminder that NFL success is never guaranteed, regardless of pedigree.

Personal Life and Family

Outside of football, Joe Lombardi is a family man who emphasizes faith and family above all else, values he attributes to his grandfather’s influence.

Joe is married and has seven children, balancing the demands of NFL life with his family responsibilities.

Despite never knowing Vince Lombardi personally, Joe grew up surrounded by stories of the legendary coach and treasured family memorabilia — all of which shaped his identity and love for the game.

Legacy and What’s Next

Joe Lombardi’s story is more than just about football. It’s about legacy, perseverance, and carving out identity in the shadow of greatness. While his family name evokes memories of championships past, Joe continues building a coaching career defined by hard work, adaptability, and deep football intelligence.

Whether he will land another NFL coaching position in the near future remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Lombardi legacy lives on — not just through a trophy or Hall of Fame name, but through a grandson who continues to chase football excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Joe Lombardi related to Vince Lombardi?
Yes. Joe Lombardi is the grandson of NFL legend Vince Lombardi.

2. Has Joe Lombardi ever won a Super Bowl?
Yes. Joe earned a Super Bowl ring as part of the coaching staff of the New Orleans Saints when they won Super Bowl XLIV.

3. Why was Joe Lombardi fired from the Broncos?
Joe was dismissed from his role as offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in January 2026 following a disappointing playoff loss and offensive performance.

4. Did Joe Lombardi coach for the Chargers?
Yes. He served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers from 2021 until he was fired after the 2022 season.

5. What is the Vince Lombardi Trophy?
The Vince Lombardi Trophy is awarded each year to the Super Bowl champions and was named in honor of Vince Lombardi’s coaching legacy.