The Cleveland Browns They fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who held the position for three seasons, after finishing last in the AFC North with a disappointing 7-10 record. The Browns have already filed requests to interview Steelers linebackers coach Brian Flores and the Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, according to ESPN.
“I want to thank Joe for his hard work and dedication over his three seasons as defensive coordinator,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said in a team statement. “I will always have the utmost respect for Joe, the person and the coach. Unfortunately, we haven’t performed up to our standards enough this season, and we all share that responsibility. We all wish the best to Joe and his family “in the future,” Stefanski said in a prepared statement.
Woods, 52, came to the Browns after working as a defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator in San Francisco. Woods also spent time in the Buccaneers, vikings, Raiders and Broncos organizations, including two as defensive coordinator, during his 19-year career NFL coaching career.
Flores, 41, was a scout in New England from 2004 to 2007 before joining the staff as a special teams assistant in 2007. He rose to prominence over the next decade working in various roles for the Patriots before becoming head coach of the Dolphins. in 2019. After three seasons in Miami, racking up a 24-25 record, Flores was fired. On Feb. On January 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, just completed his third season as inside linebackers coach in New England. After an eight-year playing career with the Patriots – during which he racked up 803 tackles, 11 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries and three interceptions – he joined Bill Belichick’s coaching staff. The Virginia native was drafted No. 10 overall in 2008 NFL Draft.
Cleveland allowed 22.0 points per game this season, which ranked in the middle of the league. They allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game (135.2) and the fifth-fewest passing yards per game (196.2). According to Football Outsiders, the Browns had the eighth-best defensive DVOA after finishing the season relatively strong. However, the franchise’s failure to reach the playoffs can be attributed to the team’s early season struggles against the Jets, Falcons and patriots.
Woods was also at the heart of controversy this week when star edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney publicly lambasted, saying the defensive plan was built to favor Myles Garret.
“You’re all trying to get it [Garrett] in the Hall of Fame instead of winning games,” Clowney said. “I don’t even think [Garrett] Remarks. I’m not trying to say it’s him. I try to get along with everyone I play with. Me and him have no problem. It’s not his fault, and it’s BS, and I don’t have time for that.”
Defensive line coach Chris Kiffin shared that Clowney, who is one of the best defensemen in the league at the start of the run, refused to play on any try other than third against the crows in October, by The Associated Press. Clowney was kicked out of practice this week and was inactive for the season finale loss to Pittsburgh.
Other players had expressed their dissatisfaction with Woods during the season. The Browns determined it was in their best interest to get a fresh start, but little will change unless they find more consistent play from the inside defensive line.
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