Broncos’ Vance Joseph Draws Interest from Jets, Bears for Head Coach Roles

DENVER, Colo. — The NFL‘s annual ‘Black Monday’ coaching carousel has begun, and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has emerged as a potential candidate for head coaching vacancies. According to reports from The Athletic‘s Mike Silver, both the New York Jets and Chicago Bears have expressed interest in Joseph for their head coaching positions.

Joseph, who previously served as the Broncos’ head coach from 2017 to 2018, has revitalized his reputation this season by leading one of the league’s top defenses. Despite a rocky start in 2023, where the Broncos’ defense allowed a historic 70 points in a single game, Joseph’s unit rebounded to become one of the NFL’s most dominant groups. The Broncos led the league in sacks (57) and showcased a young, overachieving defense anchored by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

‘Vance Joseph has done an incredible job turning this defense around,’ said an anonymous NFL analyst. ‘His ability to develop young talent and maximize the potential of his players has been remarkable.’

Joseph’s previous head coaching stint with the Broncos ended with an 11-21 record, but many attribute his struggles to poor quarterback play and organizational instability at the time. Now, with a proven track record as a defensive coordinator, Joseph is seen as a strong candidate for teams seeking a ‘leader of men.’

If Joseph is hired, the Broncos would receive a third-round compensatory pick in the 2025 and 2026 NFL Drafts under the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which incentivizes the hiring of minority candidates. This adds an intriguing layer to Joseph’s candidacy, as teams like the Jets and Bears weigh their options.

The Bears, in particular, are in the midst of a critical coaching search. While names like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel have dominated the conversation, Joseph’s defensive expertise and leadership qualities have caught their attention. ‘He fits the mold of what we’re looking for,’ a Bears insider noted.

As the coaching cycle progresses, Joseph’s future remains uncertain. However, his success with the Broncos’ defense has undoubtedly positioned him as a top contender for head coaching roles this offseason.