Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that 49ers DBs coach/run-game coordinator Joe Woods is on track to become the Browns’ new defensive coordinator once San Francisco’s ends.
Schefter does say that the two parties need to agree to contract terms.
Mary Kay Cabot reports that the Browns have informed Steve Wilks that he will not be retained as defensive coordinator, which further paves the way for Woods to take over the team’s defense under new HC Kevin Stefanski.
Woods, 48, began his NFL coaching career with the Buccaneers back in 2004 as their defensive backs coach. After a few years in Tampa Bay, Woods took the same position with the Vikings where he remained for eight years before catching on with the Raiders in 2014.
The Broncos brought Woods in as their defensive backs before promoting him to defensive coordinator in 2017. The 49ers hired Woods last year as their defensive passing game coordinator.
In 2018, the Broncos’ defense ranked No. 22 in total yards allowed, No. 20 in passing yards allowed, No. 21 in rushing yards allowed and No. 13 in points per game with Woods as their defensive coordinator.
Wilks, 50, began his NFL coaching career with the Bears as their defensive backs coach back in 2006. He spent two years with the Chargers before following Ron Rivera to Carolina as their defensive backs coach.
The Panthers promoted him to assistant head coach in 2015 and then to defensive coordinator last year after Sean McDermott took the Bills’ job. Wilks agreed to become the Cardinals’ head coach in 2018 but he was fired after one season.
Wilks took over as the Browns’ defensive coordinator last year.
In 2019, the Browns’ defense ranked No. 22 best in yards allowed, No. 22 in points allowed, No. 12 in rushing yards allowed and No. 22 in passing yards allowed.
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