Joe Woods to join New Orleans Saints as defensive coordinator

The New Orleans Saints are expected to hire Joe Woods as their defensive coordinator, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday.

The 52-year-old Woods, who spent the past three seasons as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, has been the Saints’ top choice for the job.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen and Woods worked together during the 2014 season with the Oakland Raiders when Allen was head coach and Woods was defensive backs coach.

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The Saints allowed both of their co-defensive coordinators from last season to move on. They parted ways with Kris Richard and let Ryan Nielsen take the Atlanta Falcons‘ defensive coordinator position.

Last month, Woods was sacked by the Browns after they ranked 20th in points allowed and 14th in yards allowedin the regular season.

The Saints ranked ninth in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed in 2022.