After Ejiro Evero departed the Denver Broncos for the Carolina Panthers, the team’s defensive coordinator gig emerged as one of the top jobs available around the NFL. A former Broncos head coach could be in the mix for the job as Sean Payton searches for the best option.
Denver Broncos defensive coordinator job heating up
Sean Payton continues to fill out his staff slowly and methodically after taking over as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. After previously speaking with Vic Fangio about returning to Denver to become the defensive coordinator, another former Broncos head coach is now in consideration for the job.
Vance Joseph set to interview on Friday for DC job
After the Arizona Cardinals hired Jonathan Gannon as their next head coach, defensive coordinator, and former Broncos head coach Vance Joseph is in the mix for the same gig in the Mile High City.
The Broncos and newly appointed head coach Sean Payton submitted a request to interview Joseph on Wednesday as first reported by 9News Mike Klis. It appears that Joseph is free to interview with Denver after the Cardinals released him from his contract on Thursday.
The former Broncos head coach will visit Dove Valley on Friday to interview Payton, presumably general manager George Paton, and CEO Greg Penner. According to Josina Anderson, Joseph is expected to fly into Denver on Thursday evening.
The current expectation is that Vance Joseph is flying out to Denver tonight, per source.
There’s still a wait for the receipt of the official itinerary on the night flight. Either way, things are moving fast & are expected to culminate in a meeting tomorrow as @mikeklis notes. https://t.co/ZzJaP0uMyB
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 16, 2023
During Joseph’s two-year stint as head coach in 2017-2018, the Broncos went 11-21 despite having a talented roster on the defensive side of the ball. Denver’s offense struggled mightily under Joseph’s direction as the head coach, but he was quickly scooped up by the Cardinals — serving as their defensive coordinator for the past four seasons.
Joseph’s defensive scheme benefits the Broncos’ current roster but is predicated on playing a blend of Cover 2, and Cover 4 — with man concepts like Cover 1, and Cover 0 to send various pressure looks at opposing offenses.
Rex Ryan emerging as favorite for the DC job?
Rex Ryan initially receiving consideration for the Broncos’ defensive coordinator job came as a surprise to many. In Denver, not much information is getting out of the building in Dove Valley to local reporters, but national insiders like Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network have received plenty.
On Wednesday, Rapoport reported that Ryan has emerged as the top candidate for the defensive coordinator job in Denver.
Comeback? Rex Ryan has emerged as a top candidate for the #Broncos defensive coordinator job, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Ryan has been on ESPN after being fired by the #Bills in 2016. If all goes well, he could be headed back in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/pkPzR7SY1D
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 16, 2023
Ryan’s last coaching gig was with the Buffalo Bills from 2015-2016. He was fired after two seasons and subsequently took a job in an analyst role for ESPN where he’s been for the last seven years. The last time he served as a true defensive coordinator was in the 2008 NFL season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Where were the Broncos in 2008? Jay Cutler was the quarterback, Mike Shanahan was still the head coach, and Ryan Clady was the premier draft selection for Denver in the NFL Draft. After becoming the head coach for the New York Jets, Ryan hired Mike Pettine to call defensive plays — who was with him in Baltimore previously.
The biggest question surrounding Ryan’s legitimacy as a candidate revolves around how long he’s been away from the game and how much offenses have evolved in the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes wasn’t even in the NFL yet when Ryan last coached, so it’s fair to ask how he would design a game plan around trying to slow down the AFC West juggernaut Kansas City Chiefs.
Payton interviews former coaching assistant for DC gig
Sean Payton interviewed Kris Richard, a candidate who has previous familiarity with the Broncos’ head coach, for the team’s vacant defensive coordinator position. Richard was a defensive backs coach under Payton in 2021 before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator by New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen last season.
Add another name to the #Broncos DC list: Former #Saints co-DC Kris Richard had interviewed for the Denver DC job, source says. Rex Ryan is considered the favorite.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 16, 2023
After the 2022 season concluded, the Saints parted ways with Richard, opening up the opportunity for him to be considered as an option in Denver.
Ultimately the final decision will come from Payton as he looks to put together a strong coaching staff that can help the Denver Broncos compete for the AFC West crown and a playoff spot in 2023.