Vance Joseph’s Head Coaching Stock Rises as Broncos DC Addresses Team’s Future Prospects

Vance Joseph’s Head Coaching Stock Rising

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is gaining renewed attention as a potential head coaching candidate for the 2026 cycle. After interviews with the Raiders and Jets earlier this year, Joseph’s prospects have improved significantly according to Mike Klis of 9News. This resurgence comes despite his prior head coaching stint with the Broncos from 2017 to 2018, where he posted an 11-21 record.

Joseph’s reputation has grown considerably during his current tenure with Denver and his previous role as the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator. While the Broncos’ defense struggled in 2023, ranking near the bottom in key defensive metrics, Joseph’s 2024 and 2025 units have become among the league’s best. The Broncos have recorded an impressive 112 sacks over the past season and a half, highlighting Joseph’s expertise in quarterback pressure schemes.

Joseph’s Coaching Philosophy and Future Prospects

When discussing his rising profile, Joseph remains modest about his head coaching ambitions. He emphasized his focus on winning and learning from working under Sean Payton, stating, “Everyone wants to hire winners. They want to hire someone who’s fixed something.” He credits his time with Payton for gaining insights into rebuilding a team effectively.

Despite his earlier struggles as a head coach, Joseph argues that circumstances beyond his control—such as injuries to key players—impacted his team’s success. Currently, the Broncos sit at 9-2 and trail the AFC’s top seed by only half a game, underscoring the team’s competitive potential under his defensive leadership.

Impact on the 2026 Coaching Landscape

Joseph’s defensive expertise may give him an edge in a coaching market that appears to favor defensive-minded candidates. Sam Robinson notes that many offensive-minded coaches, including former Cards head coach Kliff Kingsbury, have not generated as much momentum in recent hiring searches. This shift might increase Joseph’s appeal to teams seeking to bolster their defenses.

Joseph has already been linked to the Tennessee Titans’ head coaching vacancy and remains open to opportunities while staying focused on the Broncos’ playoff run. He stated, “If it happens, I’ll be happy. And if it doesn’t, I’m still going to have a good job.” His clear-headed approach and defensive acumen make him a compelling figure in upcoming head coaching discussions.