ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — On Monday, the Broncos relieved Vance Joseph of his head coaching duties, and the search for his successor began immediately.

The Broncos have identified multiple candidates in the early stages of the coaching search, President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway said Monday afternoon.

"We like to get things going as fast as we can," Elway said. "When there's competition out there, there's always urgency to get in, get there and be as quick as we can. But, we also want to be very thorough in the search too. We've been in the process of sending out slips to be able to get permission to talk different thins, which is the first step. At that point in time, we're in the process of scheduling the interviews right now."

Various reports have named the following coaches as possible candidates to fill the Broncos' head-coaching vacancy.

Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio

Fangio's defense led the league in a variety of categories, including points allowed, rushing yards allowed, passer rating against and takeaways. The Bears had four defenders — outside linebacker Khalil Mack, defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Eddie Jackson — named to the Pro Bowl. Fangio has served as the Bears' defensive coordinator since 2015.

Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak

Munchak went 22-26 during his three-year stint with the Titans from 2011-13. Since 2014, Munchak has coached the Steelers' offensive line, one of the best units in the league.

Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores

A three-time Super Bowl champion, Flores has spent his entire NFL career on the Patriots' coaching staff. Flores joined New England as a scouting assistant in 2004 and served in various assistant positions before becoming the safeties coach in 2012. In 2016, he moved to linebackers coach, and this season he has served as defensive coordinator for the 11-5 Patriots, who rank 11th in rushing yards allowed and tied for fifth in takeaways.

Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor

Taylor has spent the past two seasons with Los Angeles, last year as an assistant wide receivers coach and this year as the quarterbacks coach. The Rams have boasted one of the league's best offenses each of the past two seasons, and quarterback Jared Goff was named to the Pro Bowl each of those seasons.

Former Colts HC Chuck Pagano and former Packers HC Mike McCarthy

In addition to the three aforementioned candidates, Chuck Pagano and Mike McCarthy are also rumored to be potential options, according to 9 News' Mike Klis.

Pagano is a Colorado native, and in 2012, he took over as Colts head coach. He led Indianapolis to the playoffs in his first three seasons. In five years as head coach, Pagano compiled a 53-43 record.

McCarthy led the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV championship and went 125-77 as a head coach before being fired late in the 2018 season.