New Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon met with Kliff Kingsbury’s coaching staff members on Thursday after his introductory press conference. Gannon reportedly met with every remaining member in 30-minute intervals to discuss their future. One of those coaches was defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
According to reports, the Cardinals are prepared to release Joseph from his contract. Joseph will then be free to pursue other opportunities. The veteran head coach and former Broncos head coach was a candidate for the Cardinals head coaching job.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that the Eagles were interested in interviewing Joseph for their defensive coordinator position.
Ironically enough, the Eagles are looking for a defensive coordinator to replace Gannon, who took the head coaching job in Arizona this week.
Anderson and Broncos reporter Mike Klis also reported that the Broncos are interested in Joseph for their vacant DC position.
Klis and Anderson reported that Joseph is flying to Denver on Thursday night. Joseph will meet with new head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos about their DC position. Joseph was the Broncos’ head coach in 2017 and 2018. The veteran NFL head coach posted an 11-21 record in two seasons with the Broncos.
However, the Broncos have new ownership. So, returning to Denver doesn’t seem all that weird. Plus, joining Sean Payton’s staff could be a springboard to a second head coaching job. Denver has an excellent defense in place.
Taking over that prolific pass rush in Philadelphia could be a big opportunity for Joseph. Under Joseph, the Cardinals blitzed the second-most in the NFL. If there was one critique of Gannon as the Eagles’ DC, it was a lack of aggressiveness.
However, both potential destinations are highly appealing for Vance Joseph, whether the Broncos or the Eagles.
Joseph has spent the last four seasons as the DC in Arizona. Before his two years in Denver, he spent one season as the Dolphins defensive coordinator. The Cardinals’ defense ranked 21st, 11th, and 13th in yards allowed in the last three seasons. Arizona ranked 31st, 11th, and 12th in scoring defense over that span. The Cardinals ranked seventh in takeaways in 2021.
Judging by the reports by Anderson and Klis, a move for Joseph is imminent. If the meeting in Denver today goes well, Sean Payton may have his new defensive coordinator.
One way or another, Vance Joseph won’t be looking for work long.