ENGLEWOOD — Vance Joseph might emerge as an NFL head coaching candidate with the Broncos defense surging through seven games.

Denver (4-3) hosts the Carolina Panthers (1-6) on Sunday at Empower Field with four wins over their last five games. Give Joseph plenty of credit.

The Broncos currently rank No. 3 across the NFL in total defense (282.4 yards), No. 3 in scoring defense (15.1) and No. 1 in red zone defense (35.7%).

Joseph is in his second year as defensive coordinator under coach Sean Payton. It’s a position that Joseph formerly held in 2017-18 with an 11-21 overall record prior to being fired.

Joseph isn’t immune to speculation that he might be considered for future NFL head coaching vacancies. He simply prioritizes other things nearing the midway point of this Broncos season.

“I don’t have a thought about it right now because thank God this league has seasons, right? You have an offseason, and you have a draft season. Right now, it’s play and win season,” Joseph said following practice Thursday at Broncos Park. “My entire focus is on this football game (against Carolina) and winning games and coaching right now. That stuff takes care of itself down the road. … It doesn’t even have a place for me. I’m so busy right now. My mind is on this team and a young defense that’s playing good football. To keep improving each week. To get ahead of the adversity before it strikes. That’s my focus.

“But obviously, being mentioned, it’s cool. But right now, my mind’s not there.”