Joseph to run Cardinals defense
Former Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph was hired as the defensive coordinator on new Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury’s staff.
General manager Steve Keim had said he wanted a veteran defensive coordinator to pair with Kingsbury, USC’s former offensive coordinator. Kingsbury, who has no NFL coaching experience, will focus on offense.
Joseph was fired Dec. 31 after two seasons as coach of the Broncos. He has 14 years of coaching experience in the NFL, 12 on the defensive side of the ball.
In addition, the Cardinals hired Bill Davis as linebackers coach and said Jeff Rodgers will return as special teams coordinator.
Kubiak is out as Denver coordinator
A person with knowledge of the breakdown in talks said Gary Kubiak won’t return to run the Broncos’ offense for new head coach Vic Fangio as had been expected.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation, said the two longtime NFL veterans couldn’t agree on scheme, philosophy and staffing.
Kubiak remains under contract with Denver and will continue in his role as a senior personnel advisor to general manager John Elway in 2019.
In Chicago, former Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano was hired to replace Fangio as the Bears’ defensive coordinator.
League’s social justice initiative
The NFL is launching a social justice platform, with an emphasis on education, economic development and community and police relations.
The platform is called Inspire Change and includes the funding of grass-roots organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Operation HOPE. It also will establish a digital learning curriculum for African American history in 175 underserved high schools.
Etc.
A person familiar with the decision said New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores is a finalist in the Miami Dolphins’ coaching search, and they’re expected to offer him the job when his team’s postseason ends. If they fail to reach a deal with Flores, they haven’t ruled out Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Kris Richard. ... The New York Jets officially announced the hiring of former Dolphins coach Adam Gase as their head coach . ... The Baltimore Ravens replaced offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg with Greg Roman, who will continue to oversee the evolution of Lamar Jackson as the team’s starting quarterback. ... Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Mike Pettine is staying as defensive coordinator . ... The Pittsburgh Steelers hired Teryl Austin as a senior defensive assistant coach . ... Former Minnesota Vikings assistant Mike Priefer said he will handle special teams for new Cleveland Browns coach Freddie Kitchens.