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The 49ers are reportedly interviewing Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Woods, according to 9news reporter Mike Klis.
Broncos DC Joe Woods continues to draw strong interest. He is interviewing with 49ers today. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 15, 2019
Klis did not disclose which position for which Woods is interviewing, but with former 49ers defensive backs coach Jeff Hafley leaving for Ohio State earlier this month, it would seem Woods is suited for that role. Of his 26 years of coaching at the college and NFL levels, he has coached defensive backs — at Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Oakland, and Denver — in 13 of them. Three of his secondaries finished No. 1 in pass defense, including two with Denver.
Woods was promoted from Denver’s defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator in 2018. He has reportedly interviewed with the Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals throughout recent weeks, according to Klis, who previously made it seem Woods’ destination would be between those two teams.
Broncos DB coach Marcus Robertson drawing interest from Arizona, per sources. Broncos DB coach Greg Williams drawing interest from Carolina and Detriot. Broncos D-coordinator Joe Woods to interview with Washington, then decide between Arizona and Washington. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) January 13, 2019
Last week, the Broncos hired long-time defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as their new head coach. The Broncos are looking to hire a new defensive coordinator to replace Woods. He has become an increasingly attractive target for teams searching for a defensive backs coach. If the 49ers don’t hire Woods, they will seemingly have several more quality options, as we outlined here.
There has been considerable turnover among the 49ers staff in the early offseason period. One day after firing defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, the 49ers reportedly hired Kris Kocurek in the same role Monday.
The 49ers have also addressed the injury issue that plagued the team throughout the past two years. Forty-one players were placed on injured reserve throughout that span. Last Friday, the team parted ways with long-time head athletic trainer Jeff Ferguson. On Jan. 4, the 49ers fired head strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright.