Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are heading into the postseason after earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a bye during the Wild Card Round. However, there are already gears in motion that could significantly impact the Broncos and Payton going forward.
With the postseason beginning next week, 14 teams are still planning for games.
The rest are planning for the 2026 campaign, including offseason head coaching searches in many cases, and it could result in the Broncos losing one of Payton’s top assistants.
AFC Rival Makes Move on Broncos DC Vance Joseph
GettyDenver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph looks on before a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Payton’s coaching staff has been raided multiple times already, with former tight ends coach Declan Doyle leaving to become the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator and ex-passing game coordinator John Morton exiting to become the Detroit Lions’ OC.
There are others, and that does not include figures departing the front office.
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph could be among the next to bolt for a greater opportunity elsewhere.
“Another important one: #Titans have requested to interview #Broncos DC Vance Joseph,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported in a post on X on January 5. “This is likely one of many for VJ.”
This would be a second opportunity for Joseph, the Broncos’ head coach in 2017 and 2018.
He has had two stints as a DC since then, first for four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and then returning under Payton in 2023.
The Broncos have the NFL’s No. 2 overall defense, and the unit ranks third in scoring. They ranked third in scoring and seventh overall in 2024. Moreover, under Joseph, the Broncos have led the NFL in sacks in back-to-back seasons (2024 and 2025).
ESPN’s Dan Graziano ranked Joseph as his No. 1 candidate.
“Joseph’s defense in Denver has ranked among the league’s best the past couple of years,” Graziano wrote in December. “Joseph is also a former head coach, having led the Broncos in 2017 and 2018. He didn’t have much success in the role, but he also didn’t have a star quarterback and has performed well enough in his current role that teams are interested in him for a potential second chance.
“Several people to whom I spoke for this list indicated that NFL head coaching experience will be a priority for some of the teams looking for new coaches, and Joseph has it.
Graziano later named the Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins as potential suitors.
Joseph would get to work with 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at quarterback if he exited for the Titans. Joseph notably began his career as a coordinator in the NFL with the Dolphins in 2016. That was one season before he became the Broncos’ HC.
Joining the Raiders would mean facing Payton and a Broncos team he knows well twice a season.
“Interviews this week to be conducted via Zoom,” 9News’ Mike Klis posted on X.
Broncos Could Get Compensation for Coach’s Potential Exit
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before facing the Green Bay Packers.
Payton and the Broncos would surely prefer to retain Joseph, given the production their defense has had. The Broncos would also need to replace him, and even an internal candidate would operate somewhat differently.
The Broncos do not exactly get to make that final determination, though. Joseph will.
However, if he decides to leave for a head coaching opportunity, Payton and the Broncos can still benefit.
“Should Vance Joseph land a HC job as he deserves, Broncos would receive two 3rd round draft picks – one in 2026, other in 2027 – as part of Rooney Rule development program,” Klis noted in a follow-up post.
If Payton and the Broncos remain successful, they will face this situation annually.
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