Report: Broncos to hire Vance Joseph as defensive coordinator

The Denver Broncos are hiring Vance Joseph as their new defensive coordinator, sources told Peter Schrager of NFL Network.

Joseph, who also interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles for the same position, has been defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals for the last four seasons. The 50-year-old was Denver's head coach in 2017 and 2018, posting an 11-21 record in two seasons with the team.

The reported move is the first major hire for new Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Denver also interviewed Rex Ryan, Kris Richard, and Matt Patricia for the position after former Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero left to join Frank Reich's staff with the Carolina Panthers.

Arizona finished 31st in points per game allowed last season but dealt with many injuries on defense. The Cardinals were 12th in yards per game allowed in 2021 and have led the league in blitz percentage since Joseph took over the defense in 2019.

The Broncos, meanwhile, finished 12th in points per game allowed in 2022 after ranking second in 2021.

Joseph previously served as defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins and as defensive backs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers. He'll lead a Broncos defense that features a young core headlined by Patrick Surtain and Baron Browning.