Nothing will happen until after Super Bowl LIV, but the San Francisco 49ers are expected to lose passing-game coordinator and defensive backs coach Joe Woods after the game. The assistant will likely join the Cleveland Browns as head coach Kevin Stefanski's defensive coordinator.
The 49ers are laser-focused on Sunday but are reportedly considering their options for Woods' replacement. One potential option is former Dallas Cowboys passing-game coordinator and defensive backs coach, Kris Richard, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
"Joe Woods, the secondary coach, he's done a fantastic job," Rapoport said on-air. "He's expected to become the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator. From what I understand, among the candidates being considered to replace Woods are former Cowboys passing-game coordinator for defense, Kris Richard.
"Remember, he coached a similar system with the Dallas Cowboys, and certainly, that would add some heft, a little more heft, to this defense."
Richard also spent eight seasons with the Seattle Seahawks in several coaching roles, including defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, so he is well-versed in the 49ers' defensive system. He was there during defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's three seasons in Seattle (2011-13), so there is some familiarity there.
Richard was with the Cowboys for the last two seasons.