Vance Joseph's Head Coaching Prospects Loom Large

As the 2026 NFL coaching cycle approaches, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has surfaced as a strong candidate for a head coaching position. ESPN analysts Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano highlighted Joseph as a name that is frequently mentioned among potential candidates for several teams.

Graziano noted that both the Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders could be possible landing spots for Joseph. Known for his significant contributions to the Broncos' defense over the past two seasons, Joseph has previous head coaching experience with the Broncos themselves from 2017 to 2018, during which he faced a challenging quarterback situation with players like Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and Paxton Lynch.

Joseph's Coaching History and Current Performance

Despite posting a 11-21 record during his first stint as head coach, Graziano suggests that the circumstances surrounding those years should be taken into account. He pointed out that Joseph was not given a stable quarterback situation nor full control over staff hiring decisions, making it unfair to judge his record too harshly.

Graziano believes teams may increasingly look to hire former head coaches in the upcoming cycle, which could benefit Joseph, along with others like Arthur Smith and Matt Nagy. Meanwhile, the Raiders have already explored this path by hiring veteran coach Pete Carroll, but the outcome has not been favorable as they currently sit outside playoff contention.

On the other hand, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is also under scrutiny following the team's rocky start this season, despite a recent four-game winning streak that has reignited hopes for a playoff run. With Joseph's defensive unit holding opponents to just 282 yards per game, currently the third-fewest in the NFL, his stock as a head coaching candidate continues to rise moving forward.

As the offseason approaches, the potential for a coaching shakeup presents a favorable opportunity for Vance Joseph to return to a head coaching role, especially if Joseph's defensive strategies maintain their high level of execution.