The first domino is set to fall in the potential exodus of coaches from the 49ers’ coaching staff. ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday morning reported 49ers defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Joe Woods was set to join the Browns as their new defensive coordinator barring any hiccups in contract talks.
Woods signed on with the 49ers in the offseason after spending the previous two years as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator. Assistants generally sign one-year deals, so Woods is what amounts to a coaching free agent after the 49ers’ season is over.
Woods, 49, helped oversee a dramatic improvement in the 49ers’ secondary. They went from one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses last year, to the No. 1 pass defense statistically this year, with largely the same personnel. San Francisco’s defensive backs had better communication, and played more disciplined football in the back end.
While some of that has to be attributed to health and an improved pass rush, Woods’ role in it was sure to get him looks for open defensive coordinator jobs. His name first surfaced as one of two candidates for the Cleveland job after the Browns hired new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Given the 49ers’ success this season, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Woods is the first of multiple coaches to exit as teams look to mimic the rapid success of the 13-3 49ers following a 4-12 season. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was already a top candidate for the Browns’ head coach opening, and offensive assistants Mike LaFleur and Mike McDaniel have had their names surface for multiple positions as well.