The Arizona Cardinals are set to interview Vance Joseph, the current defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, for their head coach position. This meeting is part of a broader coaching search initiated after the Cardinals dismissed Jonathan Gannon, who held the role for three seasons.
Cardinals’ Coaching Search
The announcement of Joseph’s interview comes shortly after Gannon’s termination. Arizona’s general manager, Monti Ossenfort, is now seeking to appoint his second head coach during his tenure. Joseph, who has an extensive background with the Cardinals, previously served as their defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022.
Vance Joseph’s Background
- Previous Role: Defensive Coordinator for Arizona (2019-2022)
- Success: Improved defense that allowed 21.5 points per game in 2021
- Prior Head Coaching Experience: Head Coach of the Denver Broncos (2017-2018) with an 11-21 record
During his time with the Cardinals, Joseph’s defensive strategies led to consistent improvement. However, the team experienced a significant decline in performance in his final season.
Current Performance with the Broncos
Currently, Joseph has demonstrated his coaching prowess with the Broncos. His defense is recognized as one of the top units in the NFL, ranking second overall. They have allowed an average of just 278.2 yards per game. Moreover, the Broncos’ defense has limited opponents to an impressive average of 18.3 points per game.
- Broncos’ Season Record: 14 wins, 3 losses
- Playoff Position: Entered postseason as the No. 1 seed
Joseph’s successful stint as a defensive coordinator has made him a strong candidate for the Cardinals. He has previously interviewed for their head coach position after Kliff Kingsbury’s dismissal. Though the role was eventually filled by Gannon, Joseph’s return to the Cardinals could be a pivotal move.
As the Cardinals continue their search, they must consider Joseph’s experience and success, both with the franchise and his current team. Ossenfort aims to find a leader who can guide Arizona back to competitive standing in the league.
