Browns Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods FIRED
The breaking news from this morning is that Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods has been relieved of his duties on the staff. After a 7-10 season, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
Via 3 News: Head coach Kevin Stefanski issued the following statement after Woods was fired: “I’d like to thank Joe for his hard work and dedication in his three seasons as our defensive coordinator. I will always have the utmost respect for Joe, the person, and the coach. Unfortunately, we didn’t perform up to our standards enough this season, and we all in share that responsibility. We all wish Joe and his family the best in the future.”
I, personally, always thought of Joe Woods as a good guy and it was never a matter of that as he operated in Cleveland.
Looking at the defensive rankings for the season and this is why he was fired:
26th in sacks
25th in rushing yards allowed
29th in rush TDs
21st in interceptions
20th in turnovers
This season, Cleveland ranked 31st in defensive efficiency at one point in mid-October.
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Woods was the coordinator of the team for the past three seasons. He did lead the Browns to the playoffs during his first season in 2020 with the team. The Browns are clearly looking to move in a new direction for this upcoming season. However, it appears that head coach Kevin Stefanski will remain in charge for this next 2023 season.
It was almost as if that 28-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers to end the season just cemented the fate of the defensive coordinator. It will be interesting to see where the Browns look in regard to their next hire for the upcoming season.
This was a very disappointing season for the Browns. One that was filled with many ups and downs that has them out looking into the playoffs unfortunately for yet another season here in Cleveland. Woods did not help the team this year reach that goal.
This offseason, CST will continue to have updates on who the Browns will look towards hiring for that defensive coordinator position. The team will certainly be interested in many candidates to fill the slot.
CST thanks Joe Woods for his time in Cleveland. Best of luck to you in the future moving forward. Sorry, it had to end this way, Joe, but it was for the best and that is for sure.
Go Browns!
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