It is not a requirement for general manager Joe Schoen to have a connection with a candidate for the vacant Giants head coach job, but it certainly does not hurt. The Giants will interview Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, The Post confirmed, and he will not need to introduce himself to Schoen.
The Giants will also bring Kevin Stefanski, fired by the Browns immediately after the season, in for an interview, possibly as early as Wednesday. Lou Anarumo, the Colts’ defensive coordinator — a Staten Island native and Giants defensive assistant in 2018 — will also be interviewed.
Schoen and Joseph worked together with the Dolphins in 2016. Schoen was in his last year as the director of player personnel and Joseph was in his first year as the defensive coordinator. It turned out to be a good season in Miami, as the Dolphins won nine of their last 11 games to make the playoffs and Joseph’s defense led the way with 21 takeaways in that span of games.
Joseph, 53, is not only a successful coordinator but he also has head coaching experience. He went 5-11 with the Broncos in 2017 and 6-10 in 2-18 before he was fired. After four seasons running the Cardinals’ defense, Sean Payton in 2023 brought Joseph back to Denver and the Broncos’ defense this season paved the way for the AFC West title, a record of 14-3 and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Joseph’s unit finished second in rushing defense (85.6 yards per game), third in scoring defense (18.3 points) and first in the NFL with 68 sacks.
“We’re going to cast a wide net, and there’s no directive that it has to be an offensive guy or defensive guy or special teams or college or whatever it may be, having head coaching experience previously,’’ Schoen said. “We are going to find the best leader for the franchise.’’
The Broncos have a first-round playoff bye, meaning Joseph’s interview with the Giants will have to be virtual and must take place anywhere from Wednesday to the following Monday.
Joseph is expected to also interview with the Cardinals, Raiders and Titans, according to ESPN, so he will be making the rounds.
Amarumo also has a connection with Schoen. They worked together for five years with the Dolphins.
