Vance Joseph, the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, has emerged as a pivotal figure in revitalizing one of the NFL‘s top defenses. After returning to the Broncos in 2023 on a rich three-year, $39-million deal, Joseph wasted no time getting his feet under him. He received praise for his creative coverages and notable pass rush plan.
Joseph has been coaching since 2011. At only 38 years old, he became the youngest person ever hired to a staff of the Houston Texans. He continued to sharpen his skills while learning from the sage-like Wade Phillips. This experience allowed him to articulate a defensive philosophy that adapts and overcomes. His impressive, if uneven, career has been one long political climb dotted by valleys of struggle and failure. Incredibly, he was the Broncos’ head coach for two years, 2017-18. Unfortunately, that moment in the sun lasted less than a season after a disappointing 6-10 season, resulting in his firing.
Just 11 days after his firing from Denver, Joseph quickly jumped at the opportunity to be the Arizona Cardinals’ new defensive coordinator. He absolutely killed it in that role for four seasons. His time down in Arizona cemented his reputation as someone who could elevate defensive units. Now back in Denver, he has a wealth of experience and insight to share.
In Joseph’s current position, his defense has really shined. This season, opposing quarterbacks have been miserable, capping off their third-lowest QBR of 49.2 while facing them. Stars like Pat Surtain II have caught wind of this phenomenal stat. He gives high marks for the deep-going “buy-in” that Joseph has nurtured among the squad.
“The buy-in on all of it, it’s real,” – Pat Surtain II
Joseph makes it clear that it’s up to him to position his players to get the most out of their strengths.
“We’re in the best positions to make plays to do what we do best. If you’re in this defense, you’re going to jell to his standard, and his standard is, ‘Be the best,’” – Pat Surtain II
Now that he’s experienced success, the discussion has been reopened as to his future potential as a head coach. A year ago, Joseph interviewed for the Raiders head coaching job. Luckily for him, he quickly took advantage of the opportunity to interview again after Pete Carroll was let go. Sean Payton, the Broncos’ head coach, has advised Joseph to be selective about the jobs he takes a look at.
Gary Kubiak, Joseph’s position coach in Houston, has been his closest ally in the league. He is a passionate advocate for Joseph’s readiness for the highest level of responsibility.
“Of course, I think he’s ready. Of course, I think he’s going to do great things,” – Gary Kubiak
Joseph understands the weight of his new position and is thankful for the chance to run the Broncos’ defense.
“Give me a guy who has been through it, kept working, kept getting better and I’ll say it again. Look how his guys play for him. As a coach, there’s nothing better than a group of guys that play for you like that,” – Gary Kubiak
His emphasis continues to be on creating a suffocating defense that’s indomitable in the first half of games and seasons alike.
“It’s the kind of opportunity anybody would want and appreciate. It’s why you do this,” – Vance Joseph
Joseph’s journey has better prepared him to teach others the lessons learned about maintaining resilience when the pressure is high. Kubiak doubles down on this idea by saying that you can’t win in football without having been kicked in the teeth first.
“If you’re going to be dominant in the NFL, it has to be every down, every drive, every quarter, right to the end of the biggest games, to the last game played,” – Vance Joseph
Joseph’s journey has equipped him with valuable lessons about resilience in high-pressure situations. Kubiak reinforces this notion by stating that success in football often requires being tested through adversity.
“You got to get battle-tested in this business to be successful; you’ve got to be where the s
Leave a Reply