The Denver Broncos have quietly built one of the more stable and forward-thinking operations in the NFL since 2024. And with that success has come the inevitable cost of doing business in the league-losing key coaching and front office talent to other teams looking to replicate the formula.
After a promising 2024 campaign that saw Denver take a clear step forward, several members of their staff were poached. It might not seem fair-especially when teams with better records managed to keep their staffs intact-but that’s life in the NFL.
When you do things the right way, people notice.
And now, heading into the 2026 offseason, the Broncos might be preparing to lose another major piece. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is firmly in the spotlight, and he’s being talked about as one of the top head coaching candidates in this upcoming cycle. In fact, he’s not just on the radar-he’s at the top of the list.
Joseph’s name carries weight for a few reasons. First, he’s no stranger to the big chair.
He was the Broncos’ head coach in 2017 and 2018, though that stint didn’t go as planned. But context matters.
Joseph didn’t have full control over his coaching staff, and the quarterback situation was far from stable-two factors that can derail even the most promising coaching tenures. Around the league, there’s a growing belief that, given a better setup, Joseph could thrive in a second go-round.
That belief is backed by production. Joseph’s current defense in Denver isn’t just good-it’s been one of the best units in football over the past couple of seasons.
In 2025, through 13 games, they’ve already racked up 55 sacks, putting them on pace to challenge the single-season sacks record. That kind of pressure production doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s a testament to Joseph’s scheme, player development, and ability to adapt week to week.
NFL teams love a coach who’s been in the fire before, and Joseph checks that box. According to reporting from Dan Graziano, several teams are expected to prioritize prior head coaching experience in this cycle.
That gives Joseph an edge, especially when you combine it with his recent success as a coordinator. Since returning to the DC role in 2019, he’s rebuilt his reputation and shown growth in his approach.
That’s the kind of trajectory that front offices are looking for-someone who’s learned from the past and is ready to lead again.
There’s also a trend in the league worth noting: coaches often fare better in their second stint. The first time around, it’s about learning how to manage the entire operation.
The second time, it’s about applying those lessons with confidence and clarity. Joseph seems poised to follow that path.
He’s got the résumé, the momentum, and the respect of his peers.
At this point, it would be more surprising if Joseph didn’t land a head coaching job this offseason. His body of work speaks for itself, and with multiple teams expected to make changes at the top, he’s going to be a coveted name in interview rooms across the league.
The Broncos, for their part, have likely already started preparing for life after Joseph. That’s the reality when you have success-other teams come calling.
And if Joseph does move on, he’ll leave behind a defense that reflects his fingerprints: aggressive, disciplined, and disruptive. That’s a legacy any coach would be proud of-and one that could soon be extended in a new city, with a new team, and a second chance to lead.