Broncos’ Players Bracing For Joe Woods To Be Promoted To Defensive Coordinator

The Denver Broncos’ players are reportedly bracing for defensive backs coach Joe Woods to be promoted to defensive coordinator, according to Troy Renck.

• Mike Klis mentioned earlier that Woods is expected to “anchor” the defensive coaching staff, but some members of the defensive staff are still loyal to Wade Phillips.  However, Klis notes that they all have one-year contracts.
• Jeff Legwold also reports that Woods has “inside track” to take over as defensive coordinator.

Indications have been that the Broncos will turn to Woods to run their defense under new head coach Vance Joseph, so this doesn’t come as a big surprise.

It’s still interesting to hear that they’re seriously considering moving on from Phillips, given how successful he’s been with their defensive unit in recent years. Phillips contract is up and has been linked to a number of vacancies in recent weeks, so he should be able to catch on with another team in the coming weeks.

Woods, 46, began his NFL coaching career in 2004 with the Buccaneers as their defensive backs coach. He later joined the Vikings and spent several years in Minnesota before one year with the Raiders and later catching on with the Broncos as their defensive backs coach in 2015.

In 2016, the Broncos’ defense ranks No. 4 in yards allowed, No. 1 in passing yards allowed, No. 28 in rushing yards allowed and No. 9 in points per game.

We’ll have more regarding possible changes to the Broncos’ coaching staff as the news is available.