Vance Joseph reportedly expected to return as Broncos coach
Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph was believed to be on the hot seat entering Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but apparently he did enough in the 27-24 loss to prove he deserves another shot.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Joseph was expected to meet with Broncos vice president of football operations John Elway on Monday to discuss offseason plans for the team. While Rapoport says there will be staff changes and position coaches are expected to lose their jobs, all signs point toward Joseph sticking around for 2018.
From @gmfb: What's next for #Broncos coach Vance Joseph, who will meet with GM John Elway today to map out 2018. Players have been outspoken about their belief in Joseph returning, and it's heading that way. No final word yet. pic.twitter.com/d8xEH6wmPn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2018
“There’s been no firm word or official declaration, but this is another one that is headed in the right direction,” Rapoport said. “They wanted to see how the Broncos would close after some double-digit losses that I know frustrated the Broncos’ brass. They had two straight wins and then finished with two losses, but the fight they showed (Sunday) and the amount of players that are voicing their opinions that Vance Joseph should stay, that is going to look very positively for his future.”
The Broncos did not quit in Sunday’s loss to Kansas City, and several veteran players threw support behind Joseph after the game.
“VJ’s been great for us,” Von Miller said, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. “It’s not in my hands, you’d like to see those guys turn it around and we go to the playoffs, to the Super Bowl next season, but it’s not in my hands.”
Cornerback Chris Harris said he feels Joseph “definitely” deserves to return next season, and linebacker Brandon Marshall agreed.
“Absolutely, I like Vance,” Marshall said. “I like Vance, I think he’s a great coach, young coach, he works hard, he’s passionate. And he cares about us, so absolutely.”
Elway has to know that quarterback has been the biggest issue in Denver, and he’s the one who drafted Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch and Brock Osweiler. A previous report indicated Elway wants to make things work with Joseph, and firing a head coach after one season is almost unheard of in the NFL.
