So, you’ve probably seen the headlines swirling around Mile High lately. The Denver Broncos are in the middle of a massive playoff run—literally preparing for a Divisional Round showdown against the Buffalo Bills—but all anyone can talk about is who might be walking out the door. It’s wild. One minute you're celebrating the No. 1 seed, and the next, you're wondering if the coaching staff that got you there is about to evaporate.
Let’s get the big one out of the way: Sean Payton isn't going anywhere. Despite the whispers that sometimes follow veteran coaches after a high-pressure season, Payton is currently doubling down on his "Super Bowl or bust" mentality. He’s got Bo Nix playing like a seasoned vet, and honestly, he seems more energized than he’s been in a decade. But while the head man is staying put, the phrase broncos coach stepping down is actually becoming a reality for several key names on his staff. Success has a price in the NFL, and for Denver, that price is everyone else trying to poach their talent.
The Vance Joseph Situation: Is He Actually Leaving?
If you want to know who is most likely to be the "Broncos coach stepping down" this week, look no further than Vance Joseph. The defensive coordinator has put together a masterclass this season. Denver’s defense finished first in the league with 68 sacks. That’s insane.
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Because of that success, Joseph is currently the "it" candidate for head coaching vacancies across the league. He’s already been linked to interviews with:
- The Las Vegas Raiders (where Tom Brady is reportedly calling the shots)
- The Tennessee Titans
- The New York Giants
Joseph has been a head coach before, and yeah, his first stint in Denver didn't exactly go to plan. But the league has a short memory for failure and a long memory for production. He told reporters recently that he’s happy in Denver, but he also didn't shy away from the fact that this is a "winning league." If a team offers him the keys to the kingdom again, he’s gone. It’s basically an open secret at this point.
The "Coach in Waiting" and the Looming Vacancy
If Joseph steps down to take a top job elsewhere, who fills the void? This is where it gets interesting. Jim Leonhard, the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, is the guy everyone expects to slide into that DC role.
But there's a catch.
The Dallas Cowboys are currently trying to swoop in and steal Leonhard for their own defensive coordinator opening. It’s a bit of a chess match. Payton has reportedly given his staff a "clear warning" about accepting jobs elsewhere while the Broncos are still playing, but you can’t exactly tell a guy to ignore a promotion.
Then you’ve got Davis Webb. The quarterbacks coach has been instrumental in Bo Nix’s development. He’s only 31, but the Raiders are already looking at him as a potential head coach candidate. Imagine that—stepping down from a position coach role to lead an entire franchise. It sounds crazy, but that's the Sean Payton coaching tree for you.
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Why This Timing is Actually Terrible
Honestly, the timing of these "stepping down" rumors couldn't be worse. The Broncos are hosting their first home playoff game in ten years this Saturday. Payton is out here telling fans to be loud while the Bills are in the huddle, trying to manufacture every advantage possible.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, his top lieutenants are polishing their resumes. It’s a distraction, period.
Misconceptions About the Front Office
There’s also been some confusion about George Paton, the General Manager. Some fans thought he might be the "coach" or executive stepping down because his contract is nearing its end.
Actually, the opposite is happening.
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Reports from insiders like Jeremy Fowler suggest the Broncos are moving toward a long-term extension for Paton. The trio of Paton, Payton, and Nix has finally brought stability to a franchise that’s been wandering in the wilderness since Peyton Manning retired. They aren't going to blow that up now.
What This Means for the 2026 Season
If we see a significant portion of the staff—Joseph, Webb, Leonhard—stepping down after this playoff run, the 2026 Broncos will look very different.
- System Continuity: Payton runs the show on offense, so Nix will be fine.
- Defensive Identity: Losing Joseph would be a blow, especially with how aggressive they've been.
- Brain Drain: The "secret sauce" of this 14-3 season is the collaboration between these young coaches.
The reality is that "stepping down" in the NFL usually means "moving up." It’s a sign that the Broncos are finally relevant again. You don't see teams trying to poach coaches from 5-12 rosters.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following this story, keep your eyes on the Raiders' search. That seems to be the epicenter of the potential Denver exodus. If Vance Joseph lands there, expect a domino effect that could leave Sean Payton looking for an almost entirely new defensive staff by February.
Also, watch the "assistant head coach" titles. Payton often uses these to keep guys from leaving for lateral moves. If Jim Leonhard gets a massive raise and a "Senior" added to his title this week, you’ll know the Broncos are fighting to keep him from the Cowboys.
The most important thing to track right now isn't the rumors, though—it's the Bills game. Because if the Broncos keep winning, these coaches have to stay put for at least a few more weeks. Success is a double-edged sword; the further you go, the harder it is to keep the band together.
Keep a close watch on the official NFL transaction wire immediately following the Broncos' final game of the season. That's when the "stepping down" announcements usually transition from rumors to reality. For now, the focus remains on the field, even if the coaches' phones are vibrating in their pockets with offers from the rest of the league.