Broncos Rumors: Vance Joseph Hired as DC Under Sean Payton amid Eagles Buzz

Vance Joseph wasn't on the market for long.

Despite interest from the Philadelphia Eagles, Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos have reportedly hired Joseph as the defensive coordinator, according to Peter Schrager of Fox Sports.

Joseph, 50, has an extensive resume:

• Assistant defensive backs and defensive backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers (2005-10).
• Defensive backs coach for the Houston Texans (2011-13).
• Defensive backs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals (2014-15).
  
• Defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins (2016).
  
• Head coach of the Broncos (2017-18). Went 11-21 in charge.
  
• Defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals (2019-22).
  

In terms of Joseph's defenses, those units between the Broncos and Cardinals finished in the top 10 in yards allowed just once and never posted a top 10 finish in points allowed.

The Cardinals chose to move on after hiring former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon as head coach. While Joseph has more of a blitzing philosophy, Gannon was a bit more conservative, preferring to drop into coverage and generate pressure with a front four while in Philadelphia.

Gannon ultimately hired former Eagles linebackers coach Nick Rallis as his defensive coordinator.

The Broncos, meanwhile, continue to undergo a major transformation. A year removed from the massive trade for Russell Wilson—a decision that looked poor in hindsight, as Wilson struggled immensely in 2022, throwing for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while going 4-11 as the starter—the team was able to lure Payton out of his one-year hiatus.

Payton had major success in New Orleans, going 152-89 in 15 seasons with nine playoff berths. He was one of the game's more respected offensive minds, and he's tapped Joseph to handle the defensive side of things.