NFL Rumors: Dennis Allen, Saints to Name Joe Woods as DC After 3 Seasons with Browns

The New Orleans Saints will hire Joe Woods as their defensive coordinator, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Woods spent the past three years in the same role with the Cleveland Browns, also serving as the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator in 2017 and '18.

New Orleans used two co-defensive coordinators in 2022 in the first year under head coach Dennis Allen. Ryan Nielsen left to become the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, while the team parted ways with Kris Richard.

Like Allen, both coaches were holdovers from the 2021 staff under Sean Payton.

The defense was a strength of the team last season, finishing ninth in points allowed and fifth in total yards allowed, including the No. 2 pass defense in the NFL. The unit was especially impressive down the stretch while holding opponents to 20 points or fewer in each of the last eight games.

Woods will look to continue the success after an up-and-down run in Cleveland.

The 52-year-old took the Browns job in 2020 and immediately helped the squad to an 11-5 record and the organization's first playoff win since 1994. Offensive inconsistency held Cleveland back in 2021, but the defense ranked fifth in yards allowed.

The team struggled in 2022, however, especially at defending the run. Opponents averaged 4.7 yards per carry against the Browns, scoring 22 rushing touchdowns (tied for third-most in the NFL).

Woods was fired at the end of the 7-10 season.

The new Saints defensive coordinator has a resume that includes 19 years on NFL staffs. In addition to his experience as a coordinator, he served as the defensive passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, helping the squad reach the Super Bowl.

Woods previously worked with Allen in 2014 with the then-Oakland Raiders.