Joe Woods. Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Browns DC Joe Woods has new NFL home

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/6/23

Joe Woods has spent the last three years of his career in Cleveland as defensive coordinator. After being fired by the Browns last month, he has since found a new home.

Woods is expected to be named the Saints new DC, reuniting with Dennis Allen from their Oakland Raiders days, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Woods' defense wasn't very impressive in 2022, ranking 14th in total yards allowed per game (331.2) and in the bottom half of the league in points per game (22.4),

However, New Orleans isn't signing him based on just this season. Woods's resume speaks for itself as he oversaw the No. 1 pass defense in 2015, the No. 3 overall defense in 2017 and the No. 5 defense in 2021.

Joe Woods has had some real success.

Oversaw the No. 1 pass defense in Denver in 2015 as DBs coach, and No. 3 defense overall in 2017 as DC.

No. 1 pass defense as SF's DBs coach and passing game coordinator

No. 5 defense in Cleveland as DC in 2021. Finished top 15 in 2020 + 22 https://t.co/Pi3YkIjgkb
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) February 2, 2023

And with Saints head coach Dennis Allen's defensive background, New Orleans' defense won't be completely on Woods' back. The Saints are expected to run Allen's scheme while Woods acts as his top assistant, likely helping out with the secondary.

The Saints will run Dennis Allen’s scheme. Allen will call the plays and ultimately be responsible for the defense. Joe Woods will be Allen’s top assistant and will likely help out with the defensive backs, which has been his position of expertise over the years
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) February 6, 2023

The Browns hired Jim Schwartz as their defensive coordinator a couple of weeks ago. Because of that, New Orleans now got their guy, and both teams seem to be happy with the direction they're heading.

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