The Las Vegas Raiders have officially hired Joe Woods as their new defensive coordinator in hopes of bolstering their defense heading into the 2025 season. Woods, a seasoned NFL coach with years of experience, steps into a crucial role for a Raiders team that has struggled with consistency on the defensive side of the ball in recent years.
Woods comes to the Raiders after serving as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, where he helped develop one of the NFL’s more aggressive defensive units. Known for his expertise in secondary play and innovative defensive schemes, Woods’ appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to a Raiders defense that has faced criticism for its inability to generate consistent pressure and prevent big plays.
During his time with the Browns, Woods played a pivotal role in transforming their defense into one of the league’s top units, particularly in pass defense. His ability to adapt his strategies to the strengths of his players was key to Cleveland’s defensive improvements. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels expressed confidence in Woods’ ability to bring similar success to Las Vegas, saying, “Joe is a great fit for our team and will bring the leadership and innovative thinking we need to improve our defense.”
The Raiders’ defense has been a point of concern for years, with poor rankings in both sacks and overall defensive efficiency. The hope is that Woods’ focus on player development, versatility, and creating turnovers will help shift the team’s defensive fortunes. The franchise’s commitment to improving their defense is clear, and Woods’ extensive background in developing secondary talent and scheming against top-tier offenses is expected to be a game-changer.
As the Raiders look to make a playoff push, all eyes will be on Woods to help elevate the defense and deliver results in 2025.
