MIAMI, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Denver Broncos scouting director Matt Russell could be reunited with an old college pal.
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is the top candidate for the Broncos' head coaching gig, according to multiple sources. FOX Sports' Alex Marvez reported Tuesday that the job is Joseph's "to lose." Joseph was teammates on the University of Colorado football team in the 1990's with Russell.
Joseph, 44, has been linked to the Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and San Diego Chargers. This season he helped the Dolphins to its first playoff appearance since 2008. Joseph began his NFL coaching career in 2005 as the assistant secondary coach with the San Francisco 49ers. He transitioned into a defensive backs coach from 2006 through 2015 with the 49ers, Houston Texans, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Joseph cannot interview with the Broncos until next week, but has been granted permission to do so.
"Our players on defense should be proud because one of the reasons he's getting these opportunities is they've played well, and did some things people didn't expect us to do," Dolphins coach Adam Gase told reporters Monday. "It is a credit to him and our defensive coaches."
Gary Kubiak resigned from the Broncos' head coaching position on Monday. The Dolphins battle the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1:05 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 in the AFC Wild Card Round at Heinz Field.
