Browns Reportedly Close to Hiring 49ers DBs Coach Joe Woods as DC

The Cleveland Browns are assembling their second coaching staff in as many years after hiring Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach. Now, it appears Stefanski has found the leader for his defense.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Browns are reportedly close to hiring San Francisco 49ers defensive backs coach Joe Woods as the team's new defensive coordinator. However, it's all contingent on both sides agreeing to a contract.

49ers’ DB coach Joe Woods is on track to become the Browns' next defensive coordinator if the two sides can agree to a contract, per sources.https://t.co/veCiwSBnYa
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2020

The job is Woods' if he wants it. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns have already told Steve Wilks that he won't be retained next season. Just a few days ago, reports indicated that Stefanski narrowed down his choices to Wilks and Woods.

Woods is quite familiar with Stefanski. Both coaches joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2006, where they worked under then-head coach Brad Childress.

Browns tell Steve Wilks he won’t be back as defensive coordinator https://t.co/UZomj1PEtG
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 19, 2020

After his one-year stint in Oakland, Woods was hired by the Denver Broncos in 2015. Woods worked his first two years as defensive backs coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator from 2017-18.

With Woods in the Bay Area, the 49ers boast a powerful secondary that makes the lives of opposing quarterbacks hell. This season, the 49ers recorded 74 passes defensed, which is No. 10 in the league.

Stefanski believes Woods can bring out the best in Cleveland's young defensive backs in 2020. Fans will have to wait to see if a deal gets done.