Nick Bonito’s “selfish” reaction to Vance Joseph passing over HC jobs
The Denver Broncos‘ defense is subjected to a radical transformation in 2025which evolved from a unit that surrendered 70 points in one game the previous season into one of the league’s most feared groups. At the center of that turnaround was the defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
As the NFL coaching carousel spun this offseason, Joseph’s name came up in several head coaching searches. However, as the dust settled, Joseph remained in Denver. While NFL assistants often dream of the big chair, Broncos outside linebacker Nick Bonito doesn’t exactly regret the missed opportunity for his coach.
Speaking at a Pro Bowl practice, Bonito candidly said: carefree take on Joseph who remains in place.
“Selfishly, I’m not (feeling him), because I love VJ, and I love having him as my DC,” Bonito told Luke Evans of the Denver Post. “But no, his time will come soon, surely.”
It’s easy to see why Bonitto wants to keep the band together. Under Joseph’s leadership, Bonitto enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, becoming a consistent disruptive force off the edge. It’s easy to see why Nick Bonito he wants to keep the band together.
Under Joseph’s guidance, Bonito enjoyed a breakout campaign, recording a career-high 14.0 sacks in 2025. In the AFC Divisional Playoff win against the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 17, Bonito was a game-changer. Bonitto recorded three total tackles and a sack, but his most impressive contribution was the two forced fumbles that kept Josh Allen on his toes all afternoon.
Joseph’s aggressive scheme allowed players like Bonito and defensive tackle Zach Allen to thrive. Allen, who followed Joseph to the Arizona Cardinals, also expressed relief about the stability on the coaching staff.
While Joseph has previous head coaching experience with the Broncos, his second stint as a defensive player has renewed his image around the league. He has proven he can adapt and lead a top ten unit. For now, the Mile High City manages to keep its main defensive mind at least one more run, and Nick Bonito certainly isn’t complaining.
2026-02-03 01:52:00
