Ravens Champion Rod Woodson, XFL Team Part Ways
Consider Rod Woodson's first head coaching opportunity snakebit.
The Hall of Famer and champion from the Baltimore Ravens' first Super Bowl trek mutually parted ways with the XFL's Vegas Vipers over the weekend. Woodson served as the team's head coach and general manager in the rebooted spring league, which recently returned under the leadership of entertainer Dwayne Johnson and his business partner Dany Garcia after a three-year hiatus.
"After speaking with my family and members of the football operations team, we decided it was in our mutual interest for me to step away from the team," Woodson said in a statement from the league. "I would like to thank everyone at the League and wish them continued success as they enter season two."
Though primarily known for his decade-long tenure with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Woodson was a major contributor to the Ravens' first Vince Lombardi Trophy hoist in 2000-01. Over a four-year term in Baltimore (1998-2001), Woodson not mentored the team's developing secondary (with Chris McAlister and Duane Starks among his proteges) but also solidified his Canton case: he led the league with seven interceptions in 1999 and repped the Ravens in three Pro Bowls in addition to getting an All-Pro nod en route to Super Bowl XXXV.
After his departure from the NFL in 2004 (following two years with the Oakland Raiders), Woodson took on several opportunities through the Bill Walsh minority coaching fellowship program, working with Cincinnati, Denver, and Oakland over the 2010s.
Alas for Woodson, his NFL success did not translate to the XFL: the Vipers, having from to Las Vegas from Tampa, were the only team in the XFL's North Division with a losing record at 2-8. The Vipers' defense allowed 340 yards a game, the second-worst rate in the league en route to their dismal mark, which bested only one-win Orlando.
Woodson was one of several renowned football veterans hired by Johnson and Garcia to lead the way in the XFL's return. Hines Ward, Woodson's fellow former Steeler, led the team in San Antonio while college football national champion Bob Stoops guided the 4-6 Arlington Renegades to an upset victory in the title game last month.
"We want to thank Rod for his hard work and commitment to the Vipers and the League last season,” XFL president Russ Brandon said in the aforementioned statement. “During Rod’s time with the team, the players had an incredible opportunity to learn and benefit from his experience. He left an indelible mark on all the coaches, staff, and players. We wish Rod and his family all the best in their future pursuits.”
On the current Ravens ledger, Woodson is tied for fourth with Starks in interceptions (20) and second with McAlister behind Ed Reed in pick-sixes (5).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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