Denver Broncos DC Search: Latest Rumors and Speculation on Vacant Position

The Denver Broncos were looking at Bengals defensive backs coach Vance Joseph and former Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips as a replacement for Jack Del Rio as DC. Ultimately they decided to go with Phillips.

Continue for updates.

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Phillips Hired as Defensive Coordinator

Wednesday, Jan. 28

ESPN's Ed Werder first reported that the Broncos have decided to go with Wade Phillips as their next defensive coordinator.

Ian Rapoport would go on to offer up a brief quote from Phillips:

The Broncos later confirmed the news.

On Jan. 27, Werder reported Phillips interviewed for the job. 

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Broncos Hunting for New DC

Thursday, Jan. 22 

Now that Gary Kubiak is in charge for the Denver Broncos, he and the team can go about filling the vacancies in the coaching staff, most importantly defensive coordinator.

The need for a new coordinator arose after Jack Del Rio left to become the Oakland Raiders' head coach. He leaves big shoes to fill, with Denver finishing third in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) in 2014.

Last week, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported that the Broncos were targeting Cincinnati Bengals defensive backs coach Vance Joseph:

The only problem is that the Bengals have refused to let Joseph leave, per Fox Sports' Alex Marvez:

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It isn't uncommon for a team to block an assistant from accepting a coordinator job elsewhere, even when a promotion is involved. Some franchises value staff continuity and don't want to lose a quality position coach, as the Bengals would be doing with Joseph.

In 2011, the Bengals blocked then-defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle from interviewing to become Philadelphia's defensive coordinator. Coyle was allowed to leave the following season for the defensive coordinator position in Miami that he continues to hold.

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ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold reported that the Broncos remain hopeful Joseph will become available, but they're casting their net a little wider:

Bill Williamson of ESPN.com reported on Tuesday that former Broncos, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips could be in the mix as well:

Legwold added credence to the report on Thursday:

Adam Wexler of KPRC-TV in Houston noted that Phillips already has a previous relationship with Kubiak:

Phillips served as the Houston Texans' defensive coordinator from 2011 to 2013.

Whomever Denver selects, he'll be saddled with weighty expectations. As long as Peyton Manning remains the quarterback, it will be Super Bowl or bust for the Broncos in 2015.

Any sort of defensive regression from this past year's success would be a major detriment to the team's pursuit of a third ring.