ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos haven't officially announced what Vance Joseph's full coaching staff will look like, but executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway confirmed at the Senior Bowl this week that three key defensive assistants from this past season have been retained.

"Defensively, we were able to keep it intact," Elway said on an appearance with radio hosts Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan.

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips left for the same post with the Los Angeles Rams, but the Broncos have retained defensive line coach Bill Kollar, linebackers coach Reggie Herring and outside linebackers coach Fred Pagac.

Secondary coach Joe Woods was promoted to defensive coordinator.

Team sources had consistently said in recent weeks that Kollar, Herring and Pagac were expected to be retained, but Elway's confirmation was the first public acknowledgement. The Broncos had announced Woods' promotion, as well as the additions of Marcus Robertson as the defensive backs coach and Johnnie Lynn as the assistant defensive backs coach.

Elway also briefly addressed Gary Kubiak's departure, saying it was the right time for him.

"[I'm] glad Gary could walk away with his health," Elway said.

On Joseph's coaching staff in general, Elway added: "[It was] busier than we thought it would be, but we made some positive moves."

The Broncos finished fourth in total defense and fourth in scoring defense in 2016. They finished No. 1 in pass defense as the only team in the league that surrendered fewer than 200 yards passing per game on average. The Broncos were an uncharacteristic 28th against the run, however.