NEWSLETTER
The Broncos are hiring Vance Joseph again. This time, the former Broncos head coach will serve as Sean Payton’s defensive coordinator in his second stint in Denver.
The NFL Network’s Peter Schrager broke the news of the hire this morning. CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson confirmed Schrager’s report as well.
According to Mike Klis of 9 News in Denver, Joseph met with the Eagles for nearly five hours over Zoom on Tuesday. Joseph was scheduled to meet with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and GM Howie Roseman over Zoom on Wednesday.
The veteran NFL coach met with Sean Payton and the Broncos on Friday before meeting with the Eagles. Joseph was released from his contract in Arizona last week to pursue other opportunities.
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.
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.
The Broncos also interviewed Rex Ryan and Matt Patricia for the DC job in Denver but ultimately landed on Joseph. Sean Payton landing a veteran DC like Joseph to handle a very talented unit is a big win for Payton.
Conversely, Vance Joseph inheriting that unit in Denver could be the springboard he needs to land another head coaching job next year.
