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Report: 49ers hiring Broncos defensive coordinator for ‘passing game coordinator’ role

It’s likely for the vacant defensive backs job.

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NFL: Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Fooch’s update: It appears the interview went well, but it’s for a job a little more intricate than just defensive backs coach.

The San Francisco 49ers lost defensive backs coach Jeff Hafley to the college ranks, but they might have a candidate in mind to replace him. The team is interviewing outgoing Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Woods on Tuesday, per Broncos beat writer Mike Klis. Woods spent the past two seasons as the Broncos DC, but is expected to be replaced under new head coach Vic Fangio.

Klis did not specify the job Woods would interview for, but his experience as a defensive backs coach suggests that’s the role. Prior to the DC promotion in Denver, he served for seasons as their DBs coach. He spent 2014 as the Oakland Raiders DBs coach, and held the same role for eight years with the Minnesota Vikings.

Two days ago, Klis reported that Woods was expected to decide between Washington and Arizona for his next job. Interest appears to be increasing, with Jacksonville also in the mix.

Woods was the Broncos DC this past season, but for those interested, Pro Football Focus ranked their secondary No. 24. Here’s what they had to say about the unit:

The No Fly Zone is no more. Chris Harris Jr. was still at the top of his game with an 86.0 overall grade, but Bradley Roby didn’t handle the transition to a full-time starter as well as John Elway had hoped. He allowed 807 yards, a 65.9% catch rate and a 117.3 passer rating in his coverage.