Joseph understandably isn’t thinking much about a promotion with a new team because he’s already been there and done that. After a stellar performance as the Dolphins DC in 2016, the Broncos enthusiastically hired him as head coach in 2017 to replace the coach they had originally selected over him, Gary Kubiak, in 2015. Joseph found a treacherous path in Denver, posting an 11-21 record in two seasons with the Broncos before they replaced him. Vic Fangio.
With that experience in mind, Joseph wasn’t worried about preparing for interviews before meeting with five teams (Titans, Giants, Raiders, Ravens and Cardinals) last week. He knows the job he does with the Broncos will be the most important.
“What you learn in the process is (preparation) is overrated,” he said. “First of all, you realize that winning helps. I’ve been focused the whole time on winning games for the Broncos.”
So far, so good. Denver has the second-lowest defense in the league in yards allowed per game (278.2) and ranks third in points allowed per game (18.3). While the Broncos’ offense has struggled to produce consistently, Denver has been able to rely on its defense and the coordinator who runs it.
That success has teams coming calling, and the interest likely won’t wane anytime soon, especially if the Broncos make a deep Super Bowl playoff run. If they really want Joseph, they will have to wait.
“It’s flattering, but it speaks to the whole program,” he said. “Again, when teams want to hire a coach from a work program, they want the formula. It speaks to ownership here, it speaks to the coaches, it speaks to our players. It’s everybody’s salary, so to speak.
“Obviously, when teams are struggling and need a change, they look to teams that are winning and how we turned it around here the last three years. It’s pretty special. So, that secret is with us … they want that secret.”
In the meantime, Joseph will continue to carry out the same process that brought him to this point. After all, he and the Broncos have a playoff game to prepare for.