Browns fire defensive coordinator Joe Woods after 3 seasons | AP News

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Woods took the fall for the Cleveland Browns falling flat again.Cleveland fired its embattled defensive coordinator on Monday as his group’s communication issues and inability to stop the run had a major role in the Browns finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs for the second straight season.The 52-year-old Woods was one of Kevin Stefanski’s first hires in 2020. Cleveland’s defense had trouble from the opener, leading to the Browns’ 17th double-digit loss season since the franchise’s expansion rebirth in 1999.Stefanski, who was widely criticized for his play-calling, was spared in a season shaped by quarterback Deshaun Watson’s 11-game NFL suspension.“I’d like to thank Joe for his hard work and dedication in his three seasons as our defensive coordinator,” Stefanski said. “I will always have the utmost respect for Joe, the person and the coach.“Unfortunately, we didn’t perform up to our standards enough this season, and we all share in that responsibility.”The Browns moved quickly at finding a replacement, requesting permission to interview New England linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, Pittsburgh Steelers assistant Brian Flores, Seattle associate head coach Sean Desai and Tennessee senior defensive assistant Jim Schwartz.The 36-year-old Mayo played eight seasons with the Patriots before
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