Vance Joseph Reportedly on Hot Seat After Broncos' 3-Game Losing Streak

Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph's job status is reportedly being "closely monitored" by team executives amid a three-game losing streak.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported all eyes are on Joseph as the Broncos prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. While it doesn't appear he'll be fired Monday with a loss, Rapoport said this stretch of the season is "critical" for Joseph.

The Broncos are 7-14 in Joseph's first 21 games as head coach. The team had five straight winning seasons before he took over and had made five playoff appearances in six seasons, including a Super Bowl victory.

"They know the deal," Broncos CEO Joe Ellis said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. "They experienced it last year. They know what needs to be done to fix it and move forward and try to improve and get better, and play some good football for the remaining 11 games. We're all pulling for and supporting him, and we'll see where it goes."

The Broncos face their toughest test of the season against the undefeated Rams, who have outscored their opponents by 75 points through five weeks. Ellis expressed confidence the Broncos will be ready for Los Angeles this week, saying:

"I'm not concerned about spiraling downhill. I'm looking forward to us bouncing back this week. That's where our focus is. I believe we'll be ready for the Rams on Sunday. A very good football team. A big challenge for us. A lot of football left to be played.

"Five games in, obviously disappointed with the last weeks because we set high standards for ourselves. Last week was very disappointing, but you move forward from it. You got no choice, and I think our players, our coaches and all of our football staff understand that."

Joseph previously served as the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator in 2016 and was a longtime NFL defensive assistant. This year, the 2-3 Broncos rank near the bottom in most defensive categories.