Report: Broncos promote Joe Woods to defensive coordinator

The man behind the success of the Denver Broncos “No Fly Zone” will have his shot at running the entire defense in 2017.

Joe Woods, defensive backs coach for the Broncos the past two seasons, will be promoted to defensive coordinator, according to a report from the Denver Post.

Joe Woods to be named #Broncos‘ defensive coordinator https://t.co/Mx8OgxlYjx
by @NickiJhabvala

— The Denver Post (@denverpost) January 15, 2017

Woods promotion comes after the departure of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who will head to the West Coast to coach the Los Angeles Rams defense next season.

In a tweet to Denver fans, Phillips praised incoming head coach Vance Joseph, saying he “knows what I know” about defense.

Thanks to John for bringing me ,the Greatest staff ,To Gary our leader ,to the Best players ever and to The greatest fans. I will miss you

— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) January 13, 2017

Under Phillips, Denver’s defense was the best in the NFL in 2015 and No. 4 in total defense in 2016, thanks in large part to a stout secondary that produced two All-Pro first-teamers last season — cornerbacks Chris Harris Jr and Aqib Talib.

Woods’ secondary ranked first in the league in terms of total yards in both seasons.

Last week, Denver 7 Broncos Insider Troy Renck told “The Drive” that nearly a dozen players on the Denver defense that he’d spoken with all supported Woods’ promotion, saying he’s prepared to take over for Phillips.

“I’ve talked to probably 10 players over the last week. Every one of them, while they would be sad to see Wade go, insists that Joe Woods is ready,” Renck said.

Woods is a 24-year coaching veteran of the NFL, working with defensive backs over the last 12 years in Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Oakland, and with Denver since 2015.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.