Vince Lombardi’s grandson is available for hire
Vince Lombardi’s grandson will be looking for a new opportunity next season. The Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator was part of a team that blew a 27-0 lead to the Jacksonville Chargers on Saturday in the Wild Card round. The offense, which looked dominant in the first half, could not move the ball downfield in the second half to finish out the ball game with a win.
According to a statement by the Chargers, they announced Tuesday they were firing Joe Lombardi along with passing game coordinator Shane Day.
We have parted ways with OC Joe Lombardi and Passing Game Coordinator/QBs Shane Day.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 17, 2023
Most analysts aren’t surprised the Chargers made a coaching staff change. On The Pat McAfee Show, the NFL Network journalist Ian Rapoport discussed the firing with McAfee. Rapoport said this move had likely been in the works over the past month, as the Chargers seemed to waste an extremely talented offense with quarterback Justin Herbert:
"The Joe Lombardi firing has felt like it's been coming for a while.. the Chargers do not wanna waste this window with Justin Herbert" ~ @RapSheet#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/9ZrB6SnYpt
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 17, 2023
Rapoport suggested Lombardi’s firing should be a warning to head coach Brandon Stayley that he needs the Chargers to have more success with the great position the team is in. Some analysts thought Stayley would be fired after the loss. This move indicates the Chargers will retain him for next season.
Lombardi’s offense had the eight most yards in the regular season. They averaged the 13th most points per game. That’s just not enough for an offense that includes Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler, and wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Could a Lombardi return to Green Bay?
Joe Lombardi, who has coached in the NFL since 2006, has never had a stint with the franchise where his grandfather, Vince Lombardi, found legendary status at. However, now could be a chance for him to join the Packers. Matt LaFleur is rumored to be looking for help with the offensive coaching staff. Lombardi could be an interesting pickup as an offensive assistant to help LaFleur produce a more consistent offense than the one the Packers had for the 2022 season.
