Former Broncos coach Vance Joseph rejoining team as defensive coordinator, per reports
The Denver Broncos are reuniting with former head coach Vance Joseph, according to multiple reports. Joseph is being hired by the Broncos as the team's next defensive coordinator.
Joseph, 50, led the Broncos for two seasons. He went 11-21 in his first stint with the organization before being fired after the 2018 season. He went on to become the Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator for the last four seasons.
The Broncos interviewed a vast pool of candidates. The list included ESPN analyst and former NFL head coach Rex Ryan, former Detroit Lions head coach and New England Patriots assistant Matt Patricia and Seattle Seahawks associate head coach Sean Desai, among others.
Joseph will replace former Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who departed for the Carolina Panthers under the same title.
This is the second time that Broncos have rehired a former head coach for a coordinator role. In 2015, the Broncos hired longtime NFL coach Wade Phillips to serve under Gary Kubiak’s staff. Phillips had coached the Broncos from 1993-94.
Joseph gets a chance to reset with an upstart Broncos defense.
Denver has several playmakers including former Pro Bowler Justin Simmons and All-Pro Patrick Surtain II. Joseph, who starred at nearby Colorado, played two NFL seasons as a defensive back.
Despite a 2022 season in which the Cardinals ranked 21st in total defense and 31st in points allowed, Joseph has put together some strong defenses.
Joseph led the Cardinals to multiple top-10 finishes in passing defense. In 2021, the Cardinals allowed 214.4 yards per game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vance Joseph hired by Denver Broncos as defensive coordinator
