Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has quickly emerged as one of the most prominent names on the NFL’s early head coaching carousel.
According to Adam Schefter, Joseph is expected to interview this week for four head coaching vacancies with the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans.
This will take place during Denver’s playoff bye as they have gotten the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
The rare opening gives Joseph a chance to speak with teams while the postseason is still ongoing.
This is a scenario only available to coordinators on No. 1 seeds.
The timing underscores just how fast Joseph’s stock has risen following Denver’s breakout season.
Joseph is a big part of why the Broncos own the NFL’s best record and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Vance Joseph’s Has Drawn League-Wide Attention
Joseph’s interest around the league is rooted in results.
In his second stint with the Broncos, he has overseen one of the NFL’s most consistent and dominant defenses.
The Broncos were top 11 in the eight statistical defensive categories.
Denver was the No. 3 ranked scoring defense in the NFL, only averaging 18.3 points per game.
They led the NFL in opponents yards per game, averaging just 278.2 and opponents yards per play with just 4.5.
The Broncos also led the league in opponents red zone scoring percentage and opponents touchdowns per game.
This defense was very complete, ranking No. 3 in the NFL against the run and No. 2 in the NFL against the pass.
Denver being dominant against the run has defined Joseph’s tenure and given Denver a physical identity on that side of the football.
Their ability to control games and limit explosive plays, has made it one of the league’s most respected units.
Joseph also brings prior head coaching experience to the table.
He previously led Denver from 2017 to 2018 where he finished with a 11-21 record as head coach.
Despite the struggles, that experience has helped shape his reputation as a coach who learned through adversity.
Around the league, that experience, combined with his recent success as DC, has reframed him as a more complete and prepared candidate.
Timing Matters During Playoff Push
While the interview process is drawing attention, Denver has little ability to stop it.
Under NFL rules, teams cannot block coordinators from interviewing for head coaching positions, even during the postseason.
With the Broncos on a bye, Joseph is allowed to conduct virtual interviews before returning his full focus to playoff preparation.
That reality does introduce an unavoidable situation.
Denver can control the timing of those interviews, but the interest itself is a reminder of how quickly success brings outside attention.
And if the Broncos make a deep playoff run, Joseph’s availability would have a lot on his mind, as teams hoping to hire him will have increasing urgency.
Last season showed that this type of attention doesn’t always become a problem.
Former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore went through a similar interview process during the playoffs.
He was ultimately hired by the Saints after helping lead Philadelphia to the Super Bowl.
Denver looks to follow that path as their priority remains clear: a Super Bowl run.
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