The Washington Redskins’ pursuit of former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Woods has failed. Woods is joining the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive passing game coordinator.
The Redskins reportedly had an interview with Woods, however, it was not clear for what position on Jay Gruden’s coaching staff. Mike Klis of KUSA reported it was for the defensive backs coach position previously held by Torrian Gray, who has reportedly been removed from the position, however there was some speculation that Woods could land the defensive coordinator position for Washington.
Nonetheless, the Redskins missed out. Woods was said to be deciding over the Redskins and Arizona Cardinals but the 49ers ultimately landed him.
Woods is the latest defensive coach the Redskins missed out on. They reportedly met with Todd Bowles just before he signed on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their defensive coordinator. They wanted to meet with Gregg Williams, but he ultimately chose to be defensive coordinator for the New York Jets. All the while, Greg Manusky is still officially the team’s defensive coordinator.
There has been speculation for sometime that coaches were wary of wanting to join the Redskins under team president Bruce Allen and owner Dan Snyder. It’s a large reason Gruden has been the head coach for six years with zero playoff wins, per say. A report last week suggested that current offensive line coach Bill Callahan and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula wanted out of Washington. Nothing officially has been said to their futures with the team, but the speculation does fit the narrative.
While the Redskins still have time to make a significant change, the top defensive coordinator candidates all have signed elsewhere. Washington tried but for whatever reasons no one was interested enough to come.
It appears right now, Manusky will be the defensive coordinator for a third season, even though the Redskins tried to replace him. Awkward, right?
