Another candidate has emerged for the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy. Vegas has requested an interview with Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. 
This is not the first slip Joseph has received for the 2025 hiring cycle. The Jets put in a request to speak with him, and with the Broncos’ season now over Joseph will be free to meet with any interested teams. Bovada’s Josina Anderson reports Joseph’s New York interview will likely take place on Wednesday, while his Raiders meeting is expected to happen on Thursday or Friday.
Vegas promoted Antonio Pierce from interim to full-time head coach last offseason, but he proved to be a one-and-done staffer in that role. The Raiders initially seemed set to retain general manager Tom Telesco, but he too was dismissed last week. Controlling owner Mark Davis thus has a pair of major decisions to make in the immediate future, although it has become increasingly clear minority owner Tom Brady is playing a major role in both search processes. A second attempt at establishing the ‘Patriot Way’ (as the team did with Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler) will not take place in 2025, but otherwise it remains to be seen how the Raiders will proceed.
Joseph returned to Denver last year, having served as the team’s head coach for 2017 and ’18. His first season leading the Broncos’ defense produced underwhelming results, but in 2024 the unit took a major step forward. Finishing seventh in yards allowed and third in points surrendered, Denver’s return to the postseason was built in large part on strong defensive play. To no surprise, then, Joseph’s name will be one to watch as the 2025 hiring cycle takes shape.
Via PFR’s coaching search tracker, here is an updated look out how the Raiders’ search is taking shape:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Contacted about job
- Pete Carroll, former head coach (Seahawks): To interview 1/13
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Mentioned as candidate
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): To interview 1/16
- Deion Sanders, head coach (Colorado): Reportedly interested, but interest is not mutual
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interview declined; hired by Patriots