The Denver Broncos are in the midst of their most promising regular season in a decade, and while Sean Payton’s offense has made strides, it’s the defense that’s been the engine behind this resurgence. At the heart of that defensive turnaround is coordinator Vance Joseph - a name that’s suddenly back in the head coaching conversation for 2026.
Joseph’s journey has been anything but linear. His first stint as a head coach came in Denver, and let’s just say it didn’t go as planned.
After two underwhelming seasons, he was let go in 2018. So when Payton brought him back to lead the defense in 2023, there was understandable skepticism in Broncos Country.
But Joseph has not only silenced the doubters - he’s flipped the script entirely.
This Broncos defense isn’t just good - it’s historically good. They’re on pace to challenge the single-season sack record set by the 1984 Chicago Bears, which is saying something.
That kind of production doesn’t just happen. It’s the product of a coordinator who’s learned from the past, adapted, and built a unit that’s aggressive, disciplined, and downright disruptive.
Joseph, for his part, isn’t campaigning for anything. He’s focused on the now - and that now is all about the Broncos.
“It’s flattering,” Joseph said when asked about potential head coaching opportunities. “But my second time through the process - or third or fourth - I don’t think about it.
I know it’s about winning. Everyone wants to hire winners, someone who’s fixed something.
And there’s no better example than what we’ve done here the last three years.”
He credits Sean Payton for helping him see how to rebuild a team from the inside out. And while Joseph is clearly open to another shot at the top job, he’s not chasing it.
“It’s the Broncos’ season now and that’s my focus. If it happens, I’ll be happy.
If it doesn’t, I have a good job, good players, and I’m in a great city. I have no worries, honestly.”
Still, in a league where defensive minds are once again in vogue, Joseph’s name is bound to come up. And as more teams begin evaluating their futures, the list of potential suitors could grow quickly.
Las Vegas Raiders
This one would sting for Broncos fans. Joseph returning to the AFC West - and to a division rival, no less - would bring back some complicated emotions. After all, his previous exit from Denver wasn’t exactly on a high note.
But the Raiders are in flux. The Pete Carroll experiment hasn’t gone as hoped, and at 75, it’s unclear how much longer he’ll want to be in the grind. If Vegas decides to pivot, Joseph could be an intriguing candidate - especially if they’re looking to rebuild a defensive identity.
Miami Dolphins
Now here’s a twist. Two years ago, Joseph’s defense gave up a jaw-dropping 70 points to Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins. Fast forward to today, and it’s McDaniel who may be on the hot seat, despite rallying the team from a brutal start.
If Miami decides to move on and lean toward a defensive-minded leader, Joseph could be in the mix. The irony wouldn’t be lost on anyone, but it also speaks to how far he’s come. That kind of turnaround - from being on the wrong end of a historic loss to potentially leading the very team that delivered it - is the kind of full-circle moment the NFL loves.
For now, though, Joseph is locked in on finishing what he started in Denver. The Broncos are winning, the defense is thriving, and Joseph’s stock is rising fast. Whether or not he gets another shot at the big chair remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Vance Joseph is back in the conversation - and this time, he’s earned it.