Broncos interview Dolphins’ Joseph for head coach job

Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, 44, interviewed for the Denver Broncos’ head coaching job Tuesday, and is considered by many NFL insiders as the front-runner to replace Gary Kubiak, who retired due to health reasons earlier this month.

It was the first of a couple interviews set up for Joseph, who is viewed as one of the most promising young coaches in the NFL.

The Broncos have also interviewed Kyle Shanahan, the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator, and Dave Toub, who is the special teams coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to Profootballtalk, Joseph will interview with the San Diego Chargers on Wednesday for their head coaching job, and ESPN says Joseph will speak with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday about their opening.

Before joining the Dolphins, Joseph, who played in the NFL for two seasons, earned high marks in previous stops as a secondary coach with the 49ers, Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals.

Though Miami’s defense struggled in his first year as a defensive coordinator — ranking 30th against the run and allowing the most total yards (6,122) in franchise history — Joseph was credited with keeping the injury-depleted unit that spent most of the season playing without five starters competitive.

Joseph’s defense produced 25 turnovers, and finished fourth in the NFL in third down defense. The Dolphins (10-7) reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season and Joseph’s opportunistic defense sealed a handful of those wins.