Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is one of the hottest names in the upcoming NFL head coaching hiring cycle. If the Broncos lose him to a head coaching gig, what is the Broncos plan to replace his role?

What is the Denver Broncos plan at DC if Vance Joseph leaves?

Vance Joseph is very deserving of getting another head coaching opportunity in the NFL, and with the number of overall vacancies right now across the league, the chances of him leaving are elevated.

Joseph is set to interview today with the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens. Yesterday, he interviewed with the Tennessee Titans. Tomorrow, he’ll interview with the Arizona Cardinals.

Joseph is the architect of one of the NFL’s best defenses this season, a unit that led the NFL in quarterback hits and sacks with 68. Denver was the second-ranked third-down defense and red zone defense this season, while boasting top-five standings in several key areas.

  • Yards Per Game – 282.1 – 3rd.
  • Yards Per Play Allowed – 4.55 – 1st.
  • Points Per Game Allowed – 19.3 – 4th.
  • Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game – 89.7 – 2nd.
  • Sacks Generated – 68 – 1st.

When Friday’s All-Pro list comes out, Joseph’s unit could have several players on it, like Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, Patrick Surtain II, and Talanoa Hufanga.

Joseph’s turnaround since the 2023 Miami Dolphins debacle has been incredible. He and Sean Payton made widespread personnel changes after that game, and Payton let Joseph run his tried and true system, instead of trying to blend his with Ejiro Evero’s old scheme.

Since then, Joseph has coordinated one of the best defensive units across the last three seasons. So what happens if he leaves?

The Broncos would likely promote from within, and Jim Leonhard would be the name to watch. Leonhard is the Broncos’ secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator. He received a title promotion last offseason, despite a handful of teams having interest in him as a defensive coordinator, which is an upgrade over his current title.

Leonhard is also a name that will garner interest in this current cycle as various teams make staff changes around the league, and the Dallas Cowboys are a team to keep an eye on, with his familiarity with Brian Schottenheimer.

If Joseph leaves, the Broncos would likely promote Leonhard quickly to that role, but if Joseph stays, Leonhard may very well land a coordinator gig somewhere else.