Vance Joseph could be close to being fired by Broncos

There was a lot of talk about the Denver Broncos potentially moving on from head coach Vance Joseph after last season, but they ultimately decided to stick with him after a disappointing 5-11 campaign. If the team doesn’t turn things around in the coming weeks, that may not be the case for long.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Joseph is entering a “critical stretch” of the season and will be watched closely by upper management with four games remaining until Denver’s bye week. The Broncos lost eight games in a row in the middle of last season, and they have now lost three straight this year. Another prolonged losing streak could cost Joseph his job.

Knowing that he is planted firmly on the hot seat, Joseph is reportedly planning to take a more active role in coaching a defense that was once feared but currently ranks 26th in the NFL in total yards allowed. Rapoport notes that defensive coordinator Joe Woods will continue to call plays, but Joseph has become more “hands-on” with the unit.

While Las Vegas oddsmakers believe a different head coach will be the first to lose his job in 2018, the Broncos are entering a tough stretch that includes a home date with the Los Angeles Rams and road games against the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. If they continue to struggle, Joseph will likely be looking for a new job.