MAJOR BREAKING: Broncos DC Vance Joseph Confirms Departure After Landing New Coaching Deal With Jets
The New York Jets are once again in the market for a head coach following the dismissal of Robert Saleh earlier this season.
Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has emerged as the latest candidate for the role. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Joseph is scheduled to interview for the position today. He joins a lengthy roster of candidates that includes Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, former Jets head coach Rex Ryan, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, Maryland head coach Mike Locksley, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and former Panthers and Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, among others.
Joseph led one of the NFL’s top defenses this season in Denver. A seasoned veteran with 20 years of NFL coaching experience in roles ranging from position coach to coordinator to head coach, he previously served as the Broncos’ head coach from 2017 to 2018.
If the Jets prioritize experience, Joseph fits the bill. His defensive expertise could also provide a boost for a team that has been seeking a new defensive identity since Saleh’s departure. However, a key question remains: would Joseph be willing to build around Aaron Rodgers as the Jets’ quarterback?
The New York Jets have completed their interview with Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph for their head coaching vacancy.
Joseph, currently in his second season of his second stint with the Broncos, has deep ties to the NFL and even began his playing career with the Jets. As an undrafted free agent out of Colorado in 1995, Joseph played 13 games as a defensive back for the Jets, recording 21 tackles and 2 interceptions. He also appeared in four games for the Indianapolis Colts in 1996.
Now in his 20th year as an NFL coach, Joseph has built an extensive résumé. He started as a secondary assistant with the San Francisco 49ers (2005-2010) before serving as the defensive backs coach for the Houston Texans (2011-2013) under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and head coach Gary Kubiak. He later held the same role with the Cincinnati Bengals (2014-2015) under head coach Marvin Lewis.
Joseph became the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2016 under head coach Adam Gase. From 2016-2018, he served as the Denver Broncos’ head coach, then transitioned to the Arizona Cardinals as defensive coordinator (2019-2021). Returning to the Broncos in 2023 as defensive coordinator under head coach Sean Payton, Joseph led the unit to an exceptional 2024 season, during which they led the NFL in sacks, ranked third in points allowed, and seventh in total defense, helping Denver secure its first playoff berth since 2015.
Before his NFL coaching career, Joseph worked in college football. He served as a graduate assistant and defensive backs coach at Colorado (1999-2001), a secondary coach at Wyoming (2002-2003), and a defensive backs coach at Bowling Green (2004). A Louisiana native, Joseph played quarterback and running back at Colorado, appearing in 30 games and contributing both through the air (454 yards, 4 touchdowns) and on the ground (237 rushing yards, 1 touchdown). He was also part of the Buffaloes’ 1990 National Championship team and graduated with a marketing degree from the Leeds School of Business.
Jets Chairman Woody Johnson is spearheading the search for both a head coach and general manager. To support the process, the Jets enlisted The 33rd Team to assist in identifying, vetting, and coordinating interviews with candidates.