Report: Saints to Interview Joe Woods for DC Position

After losing both co-defensive coordinators from last year within a week, New Orleans begins their search for a new defensive coach.

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reports on Thursday that the New Orleans Saints will interview former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods for their own defensive coordinator position. 

New Orleans went 7-10 under first-year head coach and former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen last year. The Saints ranked fifth in total defense and 2nd against the pass in 2022, but just 24th against the run and 30th in turnovers forced. In addition to Allen, the unit was also run by co-defensive coordinators Ryan Nielsen and Kris Richard. 

Nielsen, also the defensive line coach, left the Saints last week to accept the defensive coordinator position with the Atlanta Falcons. On Wednesday, the Saints announced that they would not retain Richard, also the secondary coach.

Linebackers coach Michael Hodges is the only position coach currently still on staff. Corey Robinson, who oversaw the safeties last year and will be a defensive backs coach for the American Team at the Senior Bowl, also still remains. 

The 52-year-old Joe Woods had been the defensive coordinator for Cleveland since 2020 before being replaced by Jim Schwartz this offseason. In three seasons with the Browns, Woods oversaw one of the better units in the league, including a 5th-ranked defense in 2021.

Jul 29, 2022; Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods watches a drill during training camp. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Before joining Cleveland, Woods was the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2017 and 2018 and defensive backs coach in Denver for the previous two years. He's also served as the secondary coach for the 49ers (2019), Raiders (2014), Vikings (2006-13), and Buccaneers (2004-05).

Woods was the defensive backs coach under head coach Dennis Allen for the Raiders in 2014. Allen was fired four games into the 2014 season after an 0-4 start and an overall record of 8-28 with Oakland.