Vance Joseph Emerges as a Candidate in Cardinals' Coaching Search - But Is He the Right Fit?
GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching search is nearing the two-week mark, and the picture is starting to come into focus - though not without a few surprises. While many expected the franchise to zero in on some of the rising stars in the NFC West coaching ranks, including both Los Angeles Rams coordinators, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, another familiar name has entered the conversation: Vance Joseph.
According to a report on Sunday, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has emerged as a serious candidate for the job - and that news has sparked a wave of reaction, particularly from Cardinals fans on social media. And it’s easy to see why the move would raise eyebrows.
Why the Fanbase Is Split on Joseph
There’s no denying that Joseph brings a wealth of experience. He’s a former NFL head coach and has overseen one of the better defensive units in Denver over the past two seasons. He knows the league, he knows how to run a defense, and perhaps most importantly, he knows the Cardinals organization - having previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator.
But in today’s NFL, experience isn’t always the trump card it once was. At 53, Joseph doesn’t quite fit the modern archetype of the young, innovative head coach that has become the league’s most sought-after commodity.
That trend started in earnest back in 2017, when the Rams and 49ers hired Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, respectively. Both were in their 30s, both brought fresh offensive philosophies, and both have since left a significant imprint on how teams think about leadership and scheme.
That model is still influencing decisions across the league. Just look at the Chicago Bears, who recently hired Ben Johnson - another young, offensive-minded coach - and now find themselves on the doorstep of an NFC Championship appearance. It’s a reminder that the formula can work, especially when paired with the right roster and front office alignment.
The Resume Gap
Of course, hiring young doesn’t guarantee success, just as hiring a veteran doesn’t guarantee failure. The Broncos are in the AFC Championship with Sean Payton at the helm, and the Patriots are right there with Mike Vrabel - two coaches who’ve been around the block and know how to win. But there’s a key difference between those examples and what Joseph brings to the table: the résumé.
Payton is a Super Bowl champion. Vrabel led the Titans to multiple playoff appearances, including an AFC title game in just his second year. Joseph, on the other hand, inherited a Denver roster that had won the Super Bowl just two seasons before he arrived - and failed to reach .500 in either of his two years as head coach.
That’s where the hesitation lies. Joseph has the experience, but the track record is harder to defend. And when Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has gone on record saying that wins and losses matter, it’s fair to question whether Joseph’s past performance aligns with the organization’s stated goals.
Familiarity vs. Forward Thinking
There’s no doubt Joseph understands the Cardinals - their culture, their locker room, and their challenges. But familiarity alone doesn’t win games. If Arizona is serious about turning the corner and building a sustainable contender, they’ll need to weigh comfort against innovation.
With top coaching names like John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski already off the market, the Cardinals are now looking west - both geographically and philosophically. The NFC West remains a hotbed of coaching talent, and Arizona is in a unique position to tap into that pipeline. But if the franchise wants to keep pace with its division rivals, it’ll need to show it understands what makes those organizations successful - and that means more than just hiring someone who knows the building.
The coaching carousel is spinning fast, and the Cardinals can’t afford to fall behind. The next hire needs to be more than just a name - it needs to be a vision.