GLENDALE – With Jonathan Gannon now on the way out for the Arizona Cardinals, Vance Joseph, a former defensive coordinator for Arizona, is having an interview for a head coaching position.
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Aug 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Joseph during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals interviewing Vance Joseph for their head coaching vacancy immediately triggers a reflexive response from fans. They feel they seen this movie, and it didn’t end well. That reaction is understandable, as during Joseph’s tenure as defensive coordinator, the Cardinals were unable to find success.
Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Joseph calls a play against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter in Glendale, Ariz. Sept. 19, 2021. © Michael Chow via Imagn Content Services, LLC
This interview signals they are viewing leadership as a necessity. Around the league, Joseph is widely viewed as a respected coach and a stabilizer. Former players consistently point to his communication skills, ability to manage personalities, and clarity in expectations. As a head coach in Denver, his record didn’t blow up, but his teams improved in discipline metrics, reduced penalties, and showed year-over-year growth in situational football, areas the Cardinals have struggled with during their rebuild.
Cardinals defensive coordinator Joseph looks on during a practice at the Cardinals training facility in Tempe on August 31, 2021. © David Wallace/The Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Would Vance Joseph be a good fit with the Arizona Cardinals?
Arizona isn’t just hiring a play-caller; it’s hiring someone to align a young roster, a franchise quarterback, and a front office timeline. Interviews like this help ownership and executives pressure-test their own priorities: Do they want innovation, or do they want structure? For Cardinals fans, the takeaway is reassuring, even if the name isn’t. This signals a process-driven search. The Cardinals are casting a wide net, interviewing different leadership profiles, and measuring candidates beyond box scores. That’s how sustainable organizations operate.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
