Could familiarity and a stellar defensive turnaround lead Vance Joseph to the Saints?

A Turnaround Season in Denver

The Denver Broncos have become one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NFL season, and much of their resurgence is due to their vastly improved defense. At the helm of this defensive transformation is Vance Joseph, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator and former head coach.

In 2023, Denver’s defense ranked near the bottom of the league, placing 27th in scoring defense and 29th in yards allowed. Fast forward to this season, and they now rank third in scoring defense and ninth in yards allowed through 13 weeks. This remarkable improvement has positioned Joseph as a potential candidate for another head coaching opportunity.

Ties to New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints are currently searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Dennis Allen following a Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Among the names being floated as potential replacements, Vance Joseph stands out—not just for his defensive credentials but also for his connection to New Orleans.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently highlighted Joseph as an “intriguing candidate,” citing the Saints’ preference for familiarity in their hiring decisions. Joseph, a New Orleans native, fits that mold perfectly. Adding to the intrigue is the Saints’ history with Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who spent 15 years leading New Orleans before moving to Denver.

A Varied Coaching Resume

Vance Joseph’s coaching career has spanned nearly two decades, giving him a wealth of experience across multiple levels. Before his current stint as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator, Joseph served as the head coach in Denver from 2017 to 2018, though his tenure was short-lived with an 11-21 record.

Joseph began his NFL coaching journey in 2005 with the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant defensive backs coach and later held defensive coaching roles with the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins. Before returning to Denver in 2023, he spent four years as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, helping shape several standout defenses.

His collegiate coaching background is equally impressive, with stints at Colorado (his alma mater), Wyoming, and Bowling Green.

Player and Peer Praise

Joseph’s impact in Denver this season has drawn praise from both his players and opponents. Defensive lineman Zach Allen, who worked with Joseph during their time together in Arizona, expressed his appreciation for Joseph’s defensive philosophy.

“It’s the best,” Allen said. “We play now an attack style. Simple. Only a few calls. And that’s all you can ask for, especially as a guy up front.”

Breakout pass rusher Nik Bonitto, who is just shy of leading the league in sacks this season, has also credited Joseph for his development. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce acknowledged Joseph’s defensive prowess, calling it “one of the biggest challenges in the league.”

Challenges and Criticism

Despite the praise, Joseph has faced his share of criticism. Most recently, fans and analysts questioned his defensive strategy during a Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns. Former Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy torched Denver’s defense for 235 yards—the most in league history by a player against his former team.

Some critics argued that Joseph should have assigned Pat Surtain II, widely regarded as one of the league’s top corners, to shadow Jeudy. Instead, Levi Wallace started on Jeudy for most of the game, drawing ire from fans who called for changes.

The Saints’ Decision

While no decision has been made, Joseph’s New Orleans roots and the Broncos’ defensive success make him a compelling candidate for the Saints. With a tendency to value familiarity, New Orleans could view Joseph as a natural fit to lead their team into the future.

Only time will tell if Joseph lands his second head coaching role. For now, his focus remains on sustaining Denver’s defensive excellence and helping the Broncos make a playoff push.

Meta Description: Broncos DC Vance Joseph emerges as a top candidate for the Saints’ head coaching vacancy, blending hometown roots with Denver’s defensive revival.