If your deputy admitted responsibility and resigned, it would take a lot of the heat off you.
take the heat off (of) (someone or something)
To alleviate pressure on someone. Take the heat off of her—you know she'll pay up eventually.
take the heat off (of)someone or something
Fig. to relieve the pressure on someone or something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) That really takes the heat off of all of us. The change in the deadline takes the heat off the office staff.