The San Francisco 49ers are going to make one last push to keep Joe Woods
It’s not official, but it appears the 49ers defensive backs and passing game coordinator is set to become the next defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.
49ers’ DB coach Joe Woods is on track to become the Browns’ next defensive coordinator if the two sides can agree to a contract, per sources.https://t.co/veCiwSBnYa
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2020
However, Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune reported that the 49ers are making one last effort to keep Woods.
As Kevin Stefanski sets his initial staff in Cleveland, source said the 49ers are making a late push to keep DB coach/passing game coordinator Joe Woods, who was with the Vikings from 2006-13. Woods has been the favorite to land as the Browns’ DC.
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) January 23, 2020
Woods’ Talents Too Much To Pass
Woods has coaching experience dating back to 1992 but his recent success is no joke.
Woods coached the defensive backs for the Broncos from 2015 to 2016, where he won a Super Bowl.
In his first season, the Broncos finished first in the NFL against the pass, allowing a league-best 199.6 yards-per-game.
The stats also included 11 interceptions, 56 passes defended, nine forced fumbles, and four touchdowns.
In 2016, the secondary held opponents to the fewest yards per game (185.8) and passing touchdowns (13) in the league.
When Wade Phillips left Denver, the team promoted Woods to a defensive coordinator.
In 2017, Woods led the defense to the third-best total defense, allowing 290.0 yards per game, which also featured the fifth-best run defense.
The top five rating was a massive improvement from their 28th ranked rush defense in 2016.
When the Broncos hired Vic Fangio as head coach, Woods elected to leave for the 49ers.
The Browns finished 22nd in the league in yards allowed and 20th in points allowed.
The team could use an overhaul on defense and Woods has a track record of turning defenses around.
The Kyle Shanahan Influence
It’s easy to understand why the 49ers do not want to lose Woods.
Woods has plenty of experience that could land him a defensive coordinator position within the franchise.
Current defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was a favorite to land the Browns head coaching position before the team hired Kevin Stefanski.
If Saleh does not look to leave this season, he could bounce after 2020, which would allow Woods to rise.
Losing Woods this year and Saleh the next would be a huge loss to Shanahan’s coaching staff.
Shanahan could also be influencing Woods’s decision on leaving.
Shanahan was the Browns offensive coordinator in 2014 and could be giving Woods input on how the franchise operates.
Lack Of Browns Stability Is Frightening
Since 2010, the Browns have used seven different defensive coordinators.
Rob Ryan (2010), Dick Jauron (2011-2012), Ray Horton (2013), Jim O’Neil (2014-2015), Louie Cioffi (2016), Gregg Williams (2017-2018), and Steve Wilks (2019) were all used during the last decade.
That is a frightening amount of coaches and vacancies.
That alone could be enough to scare away any potential candidates.
However, it appears that current members of the team want him to push past the talk and come to Cleveland.
T.J. Carrie endorses Joe Woods for Browns defensive coordinator https://t.co/4uuE9EbtmL
— The Browns Wire (@TheBrownsWire) January 24, 2020
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