3 potential Joe Woods replacements for Browns at defensive coordinator

1. Kris Richard, Saints defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator

Another coach with a Super Bowl ring, Kris Richard was on the sidelines during the Seattle Seahawks ‘Legion of Boom’ run. Serving as a defensive backs coach for much of his tenure with Seattle, he was the defensive coordinator from 2015 through 2017.

His next stop following his departure from the Seahawks was in Dallas, where he worked under Jason Garrett and Rod Marinelli. He arrived in 2018 and spent the next two seasons as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator — even calling the plays as Marinelli focused on coaching the defensive line.

Richard was out when Mike McCarthy was hired and has been with the New Orleans Saints for the past two seasons. He’s got an interesting title as of now, serving as the defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator/secondary.

His secondary just held Tom Brady to 190 yards which is pretty impressive — especially when you see how Joe Flacco tore through the Browns secondary.

Richard was once seen as a hot head coaching candidate but he’s also known for being a bit fiery. Perhaps his aggressive approach could be a welcome change for Cleveland as they need something to light a fire under them. Especially in the final minutes of games.