Vance Joseph Facing “Critical Stretch” As Broncos Head Coach

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Broncos HC Vance Joseph is facing a “critical stretch” of the season in which he will be monitored closely by upper management.

Rapoport says that the Broncos are hoping to avoid a similar situation as last year, but their next four games are against the Rams, Cardinals, Chiefs and Texans before they’ll be on bye.

Knowing that he needs to turn things around quickly, Rapoport says that Joseph has made some changes including being more active and hands-on with the defensive unit. However, Joseph will still allow DC Joe Woods to call defensive plays.

Joseph also made some changes to practice this week by having the team spend more time in meetings and less time on the practice field.

As for lineup changes, the Broncos are benching veteran G Max Garcia and replacing him with Connor McGovern.

Earlier in the week, Broncos CEO Joe Ellis said he hoped the team learned from what they went through last year after losing eight straight and are now better positioned to fix some of their issues.

“They know what needs to be done to fix it,” Ellis said, “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 (Joseph) and supporting him and we’ll see where this goes.”

Joseph, 46, began his NFL coaching career with the 49ers as their assistant defensive backs coach back in 2005. He spent six years in San Francisco before joining the Texans as their DBs coach in 2011.

After three years in Houston and two more with the Bengals, Joseph was hired by the Dolphins as their defensive coordinator. The Broncos would hire him as their head coach a year later.

During his two years as Broncos head coach, Joseph has led the team to a record of 7-14 (33 percent) and no playoff appearances.

We’ll have more regarding Joseph’s future with the Broncos as the news is available.