Vance Joseph is well aware of the impending attention he may receive as the head coach carousel approaches this winter. The Denver Broncos defensive coordinator has made significant strides this season, raising his profile within the coaching community. Having previously interviewed for positions last year, Joseph’s impressive performance thus far has sparked renewed interest.
“It’s flattering to hear my name mentioned again,” Joseph stated on Thursday. “However, my primary focus is on my responsibilities here as the Broncos’ coordinator. I’ve been through this process multiple times, and I know it ultimately comes down to winning.”
Joseph, who served as Denver’s head coach from 2017 to 2018 before being let go, spent four years as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. Now, he is once again showcasing his talents, contributing to the transformation of the Broncos’ defense into one of the most formidable units in the league.
“Everybody wants to hire winners,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of a successful track record in coaching. Joseph credits head coach Sean Payton for his development and the overall improvement of the Broncos. “The key is just to win. I’m focused on our season, and whether opportunities arise later, I have a great job and wonderful players here.”
In his tenure under Payton, Joseph has learned the value of assembling the right mix of players and fostering a productive team culture. He praised Payton’s meticulous approach to game planning and player selection, noting that the team has drafted effectively and added quality players through free agency to reinforce the Broncos’ culture.
In an indication of their commitment to improvement, the Broncos donned shoulder pads for Thanksgiving practice, signaling that hard work remains a priority, even during the holiday. Following this practice session, players benefited from canceled afternoon meetings, allowing them a chance to enjoy the holiday with their families.
On the injury front, cornerback Pat Surtain II has returned to full participation in practice, confirming he is set to play against Washington on Sunday night. Joseph expressed confidence in the team’s depth, highlighting how younger players have stepped up in Surtain’s absence.
“Having Pat back is huge for us,” Joseph said. “Depth is crucial for championship success, and I believe we have that in place.”
As the Broncos continue to build on their successes, the focus remains firmly on their current season, with both players and coaches demonstrating a commitment to excellence.