The 49ers got to keep defensive coordinator Robert Saleh after he was passed over for the Browns’ head coach opening, but Cleveland is still eyeing a member of the 49ers coaching staff. NFL Media’s Jim Trotter reported 49ers defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Joe Woods is one of two names Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is considering for the team’s defensive coordinator opening.
New Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has narrowed his choices for defensive coordinator to Steve Wilks, the Browns’ DC last season, and Joe Woods, the 49ers’ defensive backs/passing game coordinator. Feeling is, decision will come sooner than later.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) January 14, 2020
Woods signed on with the 49ers in the offseason after getting fired as the Broncos defensive coordinator. He was the coordinator for two years in Denver and finished No. 3 and No. 22 in yards over those two seasons. They were No. 22 and 13 in points allowed.
Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee reported Woods was a popular internal candidate to replace Saleh had Saleh exited for the head coach job in Cleveland.
While the influx of talent in the pass rush has certainly aided the 49ers’ defensive turnaround, the improved play of their secondary from 2018 to 2019 with largely the same personnel points to Woods’ effectiveness as a coach.
San Francisco finished No. 31 in passing touchdowns allowed, last in interceptions, and No. 11 in yards allowed in 2018. In Woods’ first year on the staff, they moved to No. 17 in touchdowns, No. 13 in interceptions and No. 1 in yards allowed.
If Woods does wind up with the Browns, it opens up the scenario where Robert Saleh gets a head coaching job next year, and the 49ers lose their defensive coordinator and top internal candidate to replace him in back-to-back seasons.