After the Cleveland Browns finished the season with a 7-10 record following their loss to the Pittsburg Steelers on Sunday, changes are already underway with the team.

3News has confirmed that the Browns have fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski issued the following statement after Woods was fired: “I’d like to thank Joe for his hard work and dedication in his three seasons as our defensive coordinator. I will always have the utmost respect for Joe, the person, and the coach. Unfortunately, we didn’t perform up to our standards enough this season, and we all in share that responsibility. We all wish Joe and his family the best in the future.”

The firing of Woods comes after a season in which Cleveland’s underperforming defense played a key role in the team failing to live up to preseason expectations. Despite finishing the 2021 campaign strong and returning a number of prominent players, including All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett and Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, the Browns’ defense ranked 20th in points allowed per game (22.4), 17th in yards per play (5.4) and 20th in takeaways per game (1.2), while ranking 22nd in Football Outsiders’ DVOA stat.

Throughout the season, multiple defensive Browns players — including Garrett — questioned the team’s scheme and lack of adjustments, with Woods ultimately becoming the first assistant coach Cleveland has fired since hiring Stefanski as head coach in 2020.

3News’ Jim Donovan discussed his take on what’s next for the team after Sunday’s season finale loss.

“When you don’t make the playoffs, the next day at the end of the regular season becomes really scary and really interesting. … If you don’t make the playoffs, normally changes are on the way. So, we’ll wait and see, and as they say in the television business, stay tuned.’ It could be interesting this week in Berea.”