New Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has reportedly narrowed down his choices to two NFL assistants, according to Jim Trotter of NFL Media — Woods and current Browns defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks. A decision could come soon.
New Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has narrowed his choices for defensive coordinator to Steve Wilks, the Browns' DC last season, and Joe Woods, the 49ers' defensive backs/passing game coordinator. Feeling is, decision will come sooner than later.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) January 14, 2020
The 49ers, of course, are preparing for the NFC Championship Game this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee reported on Monday that Woods would have been a "prominent internal candidate" to land San Francisco's defensive coordinator job had the Browns hired Robert Saleh to be their head coach rather than Stefanski.
A moot point now, but there was a feeling passing game coordinator/secondary coach Joe Woods would have been a prominent internal candidate to replace Robert Saleh if he took a head coaching job elsewhere. Players rave about Woods' importance in the defensive turnaround.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) January 13, 2020
Woods spent two seasons as the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator before joining the 49ers a year ago. He has also served on the staffs of the Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his career.
Woods and Stefanski worked together in Minnesota from 2006 through 2013.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.