The NFL has revealed its finalists for this year’s top honors, and the Denver Broncos have a pair of familiar faces in the mix-one on the sideline and one in the coaching booth.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has been named a finalist for the AP Assistant Coach of the Year Award, a nod to the impressive turnaround he engineered on Denver’s defense this season. It’s a full-circle moment for Joseph, whose NFL journey has had its share of twists, including a rocky stint as the Broncos’ head coach just a few years ago.
Back in 2017 and 2018, Joseph’s time at the helm in Denver didn’t go as planned. The team struggled, and his tenure was widely viewed as one of the least successful in franchise history. But fast forward to 2023, and Joseph returned to the Mile High City-not as the top guy, but as the architect of a defense that became one of the league’s most formidable units under Sean Payton’s new regime.
Broncos fans were understandably skeptical when Joseph was brought back into the fold. But those doubts didn’t last long.
His defense found its identity quickly, and by midseason, it was clear this group wasn’t just solid-they were dominant. That resurgence didn’t go unnoticed around the league.
Now, Joseph is back on the radar as a head coaching candidate. He’s already interviewed with five teams during this hiring cycle.
While three of those franchises have made their selections, the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders are still in the market. Both teams are reportedly keeping a close eye on Joseph, possibly waiting until the Broncos’ season officially wraps before making a move.
Joseph isn’t the only former Broncos head coach up for the AP Assistant Coach of the Year Award. Vic Fangio, now running the defense in Philadelphia, and Josh McDaniels, currently the offensive coordinator in New England, are also among the finalists. It’s a bit of a reunion tour for Denver’s coaching alumni, with each trying to write a new chapter after past head coaching gigs that didn’t quite pan out.
Also in the mix are Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak-son of former Broncos head coach and Super Bowl winner Gary Kubiak-and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Both are garnering head coaching interest of their own and could be leading teams by the time next season kicks off.
For Joseph, this nomination is more than just a recognition-it’s a redemption arc. From being one of the most criticized head coaches in recent Broncos memory to becoming a key piece of one of the league’s toughest defenses, he’s proving that growth and second chances are very real in the NFL. Whether he lands another head coaching job this offseason or not, Joseph’s stock is clearly on the rise.