the Cleveland Browns He fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who had served in that role for three seasons, after finishing last in the AFC North with a disappointing 7-10 record. The Browns have already submitted interview requests to Steelers linebackers coach Brian Flores and Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerrod Mayo, According to ESPN.
“I want to thank Joe for his hard work and dedication in his three seasons as defensive coordinator,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski in a statement. “I will always respect Joe, the person, and the coach. Unfortunately, we haven’t played to our standards enough this season, and we all share that responsibility. We all wish Joe and his family the very best for the future,” Stefanski said in a prepared statement.
Woods, 52, went to the Browns after working as a defensive backs coach and game passing coordinator in San Francisco. Woods has also spent time in the hackerAnd VikingsAnd Raiders And Bronco organizations, including two as defensive coordinator, over his 19-year NFL coaching career.
Flores, 41, was a New England prospect from 2004 to 2007 before joining the staff as a special team assistant in 2007. He rose to prominence over the next decade serving in a variety of roles for the Patriots before becoming head coach for the Dolphins in the 2019. After three seasons in Miami, in which he accumulated a 24-25 record, Flores was fired. On February 1, 2022, he filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL and several organizations alleging racial discrimination. Flores was in his first season as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach with the Steelers.
Mayo, 36, completed his third season as linebackers coach in New England. After eight years with the Patriots—during which he accumulated 803 tackles, 11 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries and three interceptions—he joined Bill Belichick’s staff. The Virginia native was drafted #10 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Cleveland has allowed 22.0 points per game this season, which ranks toward the middle of the league. They allowed eight rushing yards per game (135.2) and fifth passing yards per game (196.2). According to Football Outsiders, the Browns had the eighth-best DVOA defensive tackle after finishing the season relatively strong. However, the franchise’s failure to reach the postseason can be traced back to the team’s early-season struggles against PlanesAnd hawk And Patriots.
Woods was also at the center of controversy this week when edge-of-stars linebacker Jadeveon Clooney publicly slammed the defensive scheme, claiming it was set up to benefit Miles Jarrett.
“You’re all trying to get it [Garrett] “Into the Hall of Fame instead of winning matches,” Clooney said. “I don’t even think [Garrett] notices. I’m not trying to say it is. I try to get along with everyone I play with. He and I don’t have a problem. It’s not his fault, and it’s my bachelor’s degree, and I don’t have time for that.”
Defensive line coach Chris Kevin shared that Clowney, who is one of the best defenders in the league early on, refused to play on any team other than third against. crows in October, According to the Associated Press. Clowney was sent home from practice this week and was inactive for the season-ending loss to Pittsburgh.
Other players expressed their displeasure with Woods over the course of the season. The Browns decided it was in their best interest to make a fresh start but little would change unless they found more consistent play from the inner defensive line.