Five Names to Watch for the Browns Defensive Coordinator Position
Joe Woods has been relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. Here are five Names to Watch for the Browns' defensive coordinator position.
Brad Stainbrook - December 31, 2022, 2:05 PM EST
3 minFive Names to Watch for the Browns Defensive Coordinator Position
It's no secret that Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods is on the hot seat. With just two games left in the regular season, the team should be preparing to start looking at potential replacements for Woods.
Here are five names the team should consider for the Cleveland defensive coordinator job:
Defensive Coordinator Names to Watch
Jim Leonhard
After retiring from the NFL in 2014, Leonhard joined the Wisconsin Badgers as their defensive backs coach before being named defensive coordinator in 2017, a position Leonhard has kept since.
Leonhard recently announced he would not return as the Badgers' defensive play-caller next season, opening the door for speculation of a possible jump to the NFL. Many teams have discussed his name, and you should expect to see him with a team next season.
Dennard Wilson
The current defensive passing game coordinator for the Eagles and former NFL safety is also expected to receive interest around the league this offseason.
The 40-year-old coach was hired by the Bears as a scout in 2006 and has been climbing the ranks since. Wilson has also spent time with the New York Jets.
Jerry Gray
The Green Bay Packers passing game coordinator originally joined the Packers in 2020 as defensive backs coach before being promoted to defensive backs/passing game coordinator the following season.
Gray helped coach CB Jaire Alexander to second-team All-Pro honors from The Associated Press in 2020, who was the first Green Bay CB to earn All-Pro honors since Charles Woodson in 2011.
Karl Scott
The Seattle Seahawks defensive passing game coordinator joined the team this season after spending a year with the Minnesota Vikings.
Scott is a name that has been thrown around in NFL circles, and although it may not be this year, expect to see Scott leading a defense in the next few years.
Brian Flores
The former head coach of the Miami Dolphins is currently serving as the senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Flores has over 14 years of coaching experience, including time with the New England Patriots.
Flores is currently in a legal battle with the NFL regarding a discrimination lawsuit, however, you should expect to see him land a coordinator job at the least this offseason.
