Broncos HC Sean Payton Is Getting Called Out For “Childish Behavior” After Losing To Patriots In AFC Title Game
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Sean Payton is receiving hate after the Denver Broncos lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The criticism is not just about the loss. It is about how Payton handled things afterward.
Denver finished the season 14-3 and earned the No. 1 seed. The Broncos lost by a field goal in snowy conditions, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham starting. Injuries and the weather played a big role in the result. Even so, Payton drew attention for what he did off the field after the game.
NFL insider John Frascella publicly called out Payton. Frascella described the week as “embarrassing” for the Broncos coach. He accused Payton of acting like a “childish sore loser” after the loss. The comments were not taken all across league circles.
Lombardi Firing And Bo Nix Comments Fuel Criticism
Payton fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi shortly after the loss. Lombardi did not sound shocked by the move. He worked with Payton for years in New Orleans and understood his habits.
“You could tell he was in one of those moods where he felt like some changes needed to be made and I guess he decided one of those was me,” Lombardi told The Denver Gazette. “I’ve been around him long enough to kind of read the tea leaves.”
It’s been an EMBARRASSING week for Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, after losing to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game
He’s acting like a childish sore loser
1. He fired his offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi for no reason – Sean calls the plays, not Joe!! -… pic.twitter.com/AJU4EEnWQI
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) January 29, 2026
Lombardi pushed back on the idea of blame. He pointed to the team’s success. “Well, we made it to the AFC Championship,” Lombardi said. “I don’t know why there needs to be a scapegoat. I thought it was a good season.”
Denver’s offense ranked 10th in yards and 14th in points. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix led the charge. He threw for 3,931 yards with 25 touchdowns. He helped Denver secure the top seed before suffering an ankle fracture against Buffalo.
Sean Payton added more fuel with comments about Nix’s medical history. Nix responded publicly. “Sean shouldn’t have said how many surgeries I’ve had,” Nix said. “Because he doesn’t know.”
The game came down to a few important plays. Snow made it tough for Denver’s offense. Jarrett Stidham threw for 133 yards and one touchdown, but he also threw a late interception and lost a fumble. Drake Maye scored on a run after that turnover.
Now Payton is facing questions about his leadership and decision-making. Denver still has positive momentum from the season, but the criticism around Sean Payton could quickly change the focus away from the team’s success.
