While Joseph spoke deferentially, it's clear Kingsbury plans to give him an outsized role. Defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson said Kingsbury has mostly stayed out of the way as the defensive coaches have pored through tape the past couple weeks, allowing Joseph to spearhead the group.

Kingsbury called Joseph an "incredible defensive mind."

"I wanted somebody who's a defensive head coach, and that's what Vance is," Kingsbury said. "I'll give my insights and we'll have great communication, how we can be the best we can on that side of the football, but that's going to be a deal that Vance is going to head up."

Beyond his defensive knowledge, Joseph could prove valuable to Kingsbury in all the off-field duties NFL coaches must handle. He pledged to be a sounding board when needed.

"It's a big job, obviously, and certain things are going to happen that he hasn't experienced," Joseph said. "Obviously he can run it past me."

Joseph went 11-21 as head coach of the Broncos the past two seasons and is motivated to "re-prove" himself. If the defense improves and the Cardinals start winning more, Joseph may one day be back leading his own organization.

For now, he is comfortable being the second lieutenant, which does come with its perks.

"I do miss preparing and the challenge of putting our guys in the best spots to make plays," Joseph said. "That definitely was a part I missed about being a coordinator. As a head coach, you try to be involved 24/7 but it's tough, because it's a big job. I had capable coordinators, so I spent a lot of time on the team message and how to get our guys to play the best each week."

Robertson believes streamlined responsibilities will allow Joseph's coaching acumen to shine.