ENGLEWOOD — Sean Payton has a good problem to solve.

The Broncos coach might endure future staff turnover after several current coaches were requested over the playoff bye week to conduct remote interviews for outside job promotions, as confirmed by The Denver Gazette. That list includes:

• Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph: Cardinals, Falcons, Giants, Raiders, Ravens and Titans (head coach).
• Defensive pass game coordinator/assistant head coach Jim Leonhard: Cowboys (defensive coordinator).
• Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi: Giants (head coach).
• Offensive pass game coordinator/quarterback coach Davis Webb: Raiders (head coach).

“I’d rather be worrying about navigating those issues than you guys asking me: Any word yet on an assistant?” Payton said after Friday’s practice at Broncos Park. “It means we’ve done a good job of hiring the right people. I want to see them realize their dreams. So, I think it’s really early in the process.”

The Broncos (14-3) are the AFC’s top playoff seed and await one of four possible opponents in the divisional round. Payton explained why staff remote interviewing elsewhere did not impact the team’s playoff preparation: “To Zoom, it’s not nearly as extensive.”

“That’s why they’re special, though, because they can multitask,” Payton continued. “They understand what their goal is, and they can still perform their job. I just finished telling the team, ‘Hey, we have four weeks. Right at this stage, right now, we have a month.’ You really have a month left together as a team. There’s change, and let’s make the most of it.”

Joseph hype

Joseph is among the hottest NFL head coaching candidates in this hiring cycle, with at least six interview requests. The Broncos defense finished the regular season ranked first in sacks (68), second in total defense (278.2) and third in scoring defense (18.3).

Payton explained what makes Joseph a top-tier candidate to return to NFL head coaching after a previous two-year stint in Denver (2017-18).

“Number one, there’s a presence about (Joseph) that’s very important,” Payton said. “You’re looking to hire the leader of your team and someone that has that command. I think he has a great command about him when he walks into a room. … I think having had that opportunity, and now (coming) back full circle, he’s going to be successful.”

Cornerback Pat Surtain added, “It’s a testament to our coaching staff, and obviously, when you’re winning, everything shines differently. That’s a big thing. Everybody wants a part of that success. I think they are (deserved). … It’s great for them.”

Injury updates

Payton did not get specific on Friday about return timelines for specific injured players. But he provided a glimmer of hope.

“I think we see most everybody back,” Payton said.

Dre Greenlaw is “getting there,” Payton said, after the starting inside linebacker missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Payton added that running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) is “getting close” to coming off injured reserve. Payton also said that defensive lineman John-Franklin Meyers’ partner is having a baby.

Briefly

Payton reacted to the Ravens’ firing of longtime head coach John Harbaugh. He said: “That one was a little surprising.” … The NFL All-Pro teams will be announced on Saturday. Surtain, a two-time first-team All-Pro cornerback, said he “didn’t lose a step” after missing three games early in the year with a pectoral injury. Surtain said: “I’m going to be rooting for my teammates, for sure. But yeah, we’ll see what happens tomorrow.” … Quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos to seven comeback victories in the regular season. Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey said: “There certainly wasn’t a training camp practice that passed that we didn’t do a two-minute (drill), or we didn’t do a situation walkthrough in the afternoon. So, these things are rehearsed, but it’s the confidence of doing it in the moment.”