Cleveland Browns not retaining defensive coordinator Steve Wilks

After a year that would see far more downs than ups, the Cleveland Browns have parted ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Cleveland will completely overhaul its staff under Kevin Stefanski.

The Cleveland Browns have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

First reported early Sunday afternoon by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, this move has likely been in the works for quite a while.

Just like in Arizona, Wilks lasted just one season in his new role.

The Browns had high hopes for Wilks in their system, but after underperforming in 2019, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach will not retain his position for the beginning of a new decade in Cleveland. Instead, the Browns will elect to allow new head coach Kevin Stefanski to completely overhaul his coaching staff.

The Browns’ defensive unit was middling this year, despite a roster full of talent, especially in the front seven. Cleveland ranked 20th in points allowed, 22nd in yards allowed per game, and a disappointing 30th passing yards allowed per game. Wilks dropped the ball with the amount of talent he had, and the Browns feel they are better off looking elsewhere.

Under Wilks, large gashing plays became commonplace against the Browns’ defense. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has since reported that San Francisco 49ers defensive backs coach Joe Woods could be in line for the Browns’ defensive coordinator job.

Cleveland made no secret they liked the 49ers defense as they interviewed defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for the head coaching job.

Now, Stefanski can at least add someone from Stefanski’s staff as they try and improve from their frustrating 2019 campaign.