The San Francisco 49ers are hiring former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Woods, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. He will serve as the team's defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, according to a press release from the team.
The #49ers are hiring Joe Woods, longtime DBs coach and most recently the #Broncos' defensive coordinator, source says. He'll be the passing game coordinator for DC Robert Saleh and HC Kyle Shanahan.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 15, 2019
Woods replaces Jeff Hafley, who left his role as the 49ers' defensive backs coach to become a co-defensive coordinator for Ohio State.
"In addition to being a tremendous coach with a wealth of knowledge, Joe is a great person that we believe will help bring the best out of our players," said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan via a statement issued by the team. "Since we first worked together in Tampa, Joe has continued to gain invaluable experience in different schemes and coverages that will benefit our defense. Anybody who is familiar with Joe as a coach knows that he is passionate about the fundamentals of the game and we look forward to seeing the impact he has on our team."
The 49ers interviewed Woods on Tuesday, according to a report from Mike Klis of 9News in the Denver area. He was given permission to interview for other jobs after Vic Fangio was named the new head coach in Denver. Fangio has been working to build his own coaching staff.
Woods, 48, spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator in Denver. He was the Broncos defensive backs coach for the two seasons before that (2015-16). Woods held the same role with the Oakland Raiders (2014), Minnesota Vikings (2006–13), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004–2005) before his time in Denver and has 15 years of NFL experience coaching on the defensive side of the ball.
Before his time in the NFL, Woods served as a defensive backs coach for Western Michigan (2001–03), Hofstra (1998–2000), Kent State (1997), and Grand Valley State (1994–96). He also held several roles with Northwestern State (1994), Eastern Michigan (1993–94), and Muskingum College (1992).
