The Denver Broncos are rolling - winners of 10 straight and suddenly looking like one of the most dangerous teams in the league. But while the offense has done its part, it’s the defense that’s truly turned heads.
Vance Joseph would be very deserving to get a head coaching job, per Pat Surtain. pic.twitter.com/tDqFaNq5il
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) December 10, 2025
And at the center of that transformation? Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, whose resurgence in Denver is starting to look like more than just a comeback - it’s a legitimate case for another shot at a head coaching job.
Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos’ All-Pro-caliber cornerback and a 2024 Defensive Player of the Year contender, isn’t shy about where he stands on the matter. He’s gone public with his support, saying flat-out that Joseph deserves another opportunity to run a team. That kind of endorsement doesn’t come lightly - especially from a player who’s been thriving under Joseph’s system.
And let’s be clear: this defense hasn’t just been solid. It’s been dominant.
As the Broncos charge into Week 15 with playoff hopes very much alive, it’s Joseph’s unit that’s setting the tone. Denver ranks near the top of the league in scoring defense and takeaways, the kind of metrics that get attention around the league - especially from teams looking to reboot their coaching staff in the offseason.
Joseph’s story is one of evolution. His first stint as a head coach in Denver from 2017 to 2018 didn’t go as planned.
An 11-21 record and a lack of control over roster decisions made for a tough situation. But since then, Joseph has retooled his approach.
After a productive run with the Arizona Cardinals, he returned to the Broncos with a sharper, more modern defensive philosophy. And now, he’s leading one of the most disciplined, opportunistic defenses in football.
What’s made this Broncos defense so effective under Joseph is more than just scheme. It’s his ability to adapt - to tailor game plans to opponents, to maximize the strengths of his players, and to keep the unit steady even when the pressure ramps up. That kind of leadership doesn’t just win games - it builds trust in locker rooms and front offices alike.
For teams that are staring down a rebuild or looking to reset their culture, Joseph’s name is going to come up. He’s shown he can develop talent, install structure, and keep a team focused through the grind of a season. If Denver’s defense keeps playing at this level, it’s hard to imagine Joseph not getting serious looks once the coaching carousel starts spinning.
Bottom line: Vance Joseph isn’t just coordinating a great defense - he’s making a compelling case to lead an entire team again. And this time, he might just get the chance to do it on his terms.