The Denver Broncos had a standout 2025 season, largely thanks to their formidable defense. It’s no wonder Sean Payton was taken aback when his defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, wasn't snapped up for a head coaching role this offseason.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Joseph was on the radar as a top candidate for one of the 10 head coach vacancies. Despite the buzz, he remains in Denver, ready to lead the defense for another year.
Joseph's impact on the Broncos' defense has been nothing short of transformative. When he returned to Denver in 2023 after a stint with the Arizona Cardinals, the Broncos' defense was struggling. They ranked near the bottom in several key categories, allowing the fourth-most yards (370.8) and sixth-most points per game (24.3), while also ranking low in sacks.
Fast forward to 2024 and 2025, and the Broncos' defense was a force to be reckoned with. In 2024, they allowed just 317.1 yards per game, ranking seventh, and gave up the third-fewest points per game at 18.3.
The following year, they improved even further, allowing only 278.2 yards per game and maintaining their third-place rank in points allowed. They also led the league in sacks with 63 in 2024 and 68 in 2025.
Joseph's influence has clearly shaped one of the NFL's top defenses, making it surprising he didn't land a head coaching role. During the scouting combine, ESPN’s Jeff Legwold caught up with Head Coach Sean Payton, who expressed his surprise and delight at retaining Joseph.
“I love that he's back, (but) I am a little surprised with the season we had and how we played defensively and with 10 openings ... He's got a presence about him, I think one of his superpowers is his calming presence and he pulls the best out of his players that play for him,” Payton remarked.
So, why didn’t Joseph get the call? It might trace back to his previous head coaching stint with Denver, where he went 11-21 over two seasons. Issues like time management and team discipline plagued his first run, leading to his dismissal.
While many coaches evolve from their initial challenges, Joseph didn’t get the nod this time around. Denver, however, is more than happy to keep him on board, and Joseph seems poised to prove his growth and readiness for the next opportunity.