Joe Woods

Joe Woods (born June 25, 1970) is an American professional football coach who is the defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). A coaching veteran of 26 years, Woods has previously served as an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints.

College career Woods lettered four times as a cornerback and safety during his collegiate career at Illinois State University, graduating from the school in 1992 with a degree in criminal justice. He was team captain as a senior in 1991 and went on to earn first-team All-Gateway Conference honors following his final season.

Coaching career Early years

Woods began his coaching career as a defensive backs coach at Muskingum College in 1992 and moved on to become a graduate assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University in 1993. Woods also served as defensive backs coach at Kent State University (1997) and Grand Valley State University (1994–96) following a stint coaching linebackers during the spring of 1994 at Northwestern State University. He coached the same position with Hofstra University from 1998 to 2000, helping the school make consecutive trips to the 1-AA playoff quarterfinals. Woods then became the defensive backs coach for three seasons (2001–03) at Western Michigan University.

Denver Broncos

In Woods’ first season coaching the Broncos’ secondary in 2015, Denver finished first in the NFL against the pass (199.6 ypg) while the defensive backfield accounted for 11 interceptions, 56 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles and four touchdowns. In 2016, the Broncos’ secondary held opponents to the fewest yards per game (185.8), yards per attempt (5.8) and passing touchdowns (13) in the NFL.

After the departure of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, Woods was chosen to be promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2017 season. Denver finished first in the NFL in pass defense in both 2015 (199.6 ypg) and 2016 (185.8) with Woods coaching the team's defensive backs.

San Francisco 49ers

In January 2019, the San Francisco 49ers hired Joe Woods as defensive back coach and passing game coordinator.

Cleveland Browns

On February 7, 2020, Woods was hired by the Cleveland Browns as their defensive coordinator under head coach Kevin Stefanski. He was fired on January 9, 2023.

New Orleans Saints On February 6, 2023, the New Orleans Saints hired Woods as their defensive coordinator.

Las Vegas Raiders On February 6, 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hired Woods to serve as their defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach.