The people shaping Sean Payton’s 2026 Broncos defensive coordinator search

Sean Payton’s 2017 New Orleans Saints staff produced five future head coaches, a track record that defines his current Denver operation. He has already lost three assistants to other teams this offseason, proving the staff is highly coveted. The search for a defensive coordinator involved interviews with Rex Ryan, Sean Desai, and Christian Parker before Payton selected Vance Joseph. This decision prioritized internal continuity over external recruitment, ensuring the defense retains its core identity while the offense undergoes significant changes.

A veteran return with proven results

Joseph returns as the only former Broncos head coach, alongside Wade Phillips, to be fired and later rehired as a coordinator. He coached Denver in 2017 and 2018 before John Elway dismissed him following a 6-10 season that ended the team’s playoff streak. After spending four seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator, Joseph interviewed at the suburban Denver complex on Feb. 17. His aggressive 3-4 scheme fits the roster perfectly, evidenced by the Cardinals blitzing on 36.1 percent of downs last year.

The defense he helms includes safety Justin Simmons, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, and edge rusher Randy Gregory. Only Simmons and linebacker Josey Jewell remain from the unit Joseph led during his previous tenure. His experience allows Payton to focus on rehabbing quarterback Russell Wilson after a poor 2022 campaign. I see this as a clear win for stability; most coaches avoid returning to places where they were fired, but Joseph put his pride aside to maximize his opportunity. The Broncos finished second in yards allowed at 278.2 per game and third in points allowed at 18.3 last season.

Internal candidates and external pressure

If Joseph leaves for a head coaching job, the Broncos receive two third-round compensatory draft picks under the Rooney Rule. Jim Leonhard emerges as the primary in-house replacement. He holds the title of defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach, a promotion that came with a raise after he turned down interest from other clubs. Leonhard has previously interviewed for DC openings, making him an overqualified candidate for the role.

Davis Webb also draws attention as the offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Payton promoted him to offensive coordinator to prevent losing him, handing over play-calling duties in a rare move for a head coach. Webb removed himself from head coaching consideration to stay in Denver, validating his status as the league’s next offensive guru. However, the current offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi remains on staff, limiting Webb’s immediate path upward within the organization.

Payton pledged to "hire slow, fire fast" when he was introduced on Feb. 6. The Broncos are chasing the one seed in the AFC, with Super Bowl aspirations driving their strategy. Will the front office retain all these high-profile assistants through the playoffs?