Denver’s defensive coordinator may be hottest candidate to get an NFL head coaching job during soon-approaching offseason.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Vance Joseph has all the qualifications to become the NFL’s next hot head coaching candidate, starting with he’s been a head coach before.

It didn’t work out for him in 2017-18 as head coach of the Broncos, but such coaching stalwarts as Mike Shanahan, Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick were among the “failed” first-time head coaches who later found Hall of Fame-caliber success with other teams.

Besides his experience of coaching beneath the brightest and harshest of spotlights, Joseph has developed into one of the league’s most accomplished defensive coordinators. He is especially known for his ability to coordinate pressure on the quarterback, as the Denver D has compiled a league-most 112 sacks in the past one and a half seasons.

He has been the name mentioned most for the NFL hiring coaching cycle that will open for business in six weeks and feature head job openings with the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans at least and no doubt two to five more at season’s end.

“It’s flattering, but my second time through the process, or my third or fourth time through the process, I don’t think about it,’’ Joseph said following the team’s padded Thanksgiving Day practice. “I really don’t because I know it’s about winning. Everyone wants to hire winners. They want to hire someone who’s fixed something. And there’s no better example than what we’ve done here the last three years. Being with Sean Payton helped my learning with how to fix a team.

“The key is to win. And not worry about the process. It’s the Broncos’ season right now and that’s my focus, honestly. If it happens, I’ll be happy. And if it doesn’t, I’m still going to have a good job. I have good players. I’m in a great city. I have no worries, honestly.”

The Broncos carry a 9-2 record and an eight-game winning streak into their Sunday Night Football game (6:20 p.m. kickoff, 9NEWS) at the Washington Commanders.


Bronco Bits

Tight end Nate Adkins still hasn’t practiced. He suffered a knee injury five weeks ago in a game against the Dallas Cowboys but was not placed on short-term (minimum four games) injured reserve. His fourth game missed will likely be Sunday against Washington. Adkins is working out on a side field, so perhaps he’s close to returning. 

Cornerback Pat Surtain II was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Not only did Payton have his team practice on Thanksgiving, but he also had them pop in shoulder pads. Contrast this to 2022 when head coach Nathaniel Hackett gave his team the holiday off so the players, coaches and staff could spend time with their families.

Hackett’s way may be way nicer, but it didn’t help him avoid getting blown out on another holiday, Christmas Day in Los Angeles, and getting fired the next day.