Browns fire defensive coordinator Joe Woods after 3 seasons
FILE - Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods celebrates a sack during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cleveland, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. Criticized all season for a unit that underperformed, dealt with injuries and didn't always complement Cleveland's offense, Woods said Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, he wants to come back next season. “I hope I get the opportunity, but that’s not my decision,” said Woods, one of Kevin Stefanski's first hires three seasons ago. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/David Richard]
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Browns fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods after his third season ended way short of expectations or the playoffs. Cleveland’s defense had issues from the opener, leading to a 7-10 record. Woods was heavily criticized all season and he sensed his dismissal last week. The Browns were especially bad against the run, getting gashed for big plays on the ground nearly every week. The Browns moved quickly at finding a replacement, requesting permission to interview New England assistant Jerod Mayo, Pittsburgh assistant Brian Flores, Seattle associate head coach Sean Desai and Tennessee senior defensive assistant Jim Schwartz for the vacancy.
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FILE - Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods walks on the field after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in Cleveland. The Cleveland Browns fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, after his underperforming group had a major hand in this season ending way short of expectations or the playoffs, a person familiar with the move told the Associated Press.(AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/David Richard