The Ohio football program has announced the appointment of seasoned coach Chris Woods as the new linebackers coach, effective immediately. Head Coach Brian Smith made the announcement on March 10, highlighting Woods' extensive experience and impressive track record in developing elite defensive units.

Empowering Ohio's Defense with Proven Leadership and Strategic Expertise

Bringing a Wealth of Experience from Diverse Leagues

Chris Woods brings an unparalleled 30-year coaching career that spans both collegiate and professional levels. His journey includes stints in the United Football League, where he honed his skills as a linebackers coach. At Temple University, Woods not only mentored three all-conference athletes but also guided one player to All-American status and two others to NFL Draft signees. The 2024 inside linebackers under his tutelage ranked top in the American Athletic Conference for tackles. This success is a testament to his ability to cultivate talent and maximize potential.Woods’ expertise extends beyond just mentoring players; he has also held pivotal roles in strategic planning and analysis. At Kansas, he served as a senior defensive analyst, contributing significantly to scouting, practice preparation, and evaluation. In addition, Woods stepped up as the linebackers coach during the 2020 season finale, showcasing his adaptability and leadership.

Innovative Strategies and Defensive Turnarounds

Woods’ tenure at Texas State as defensive coordinator and interim head coach was marked by significant improvements. Under his guidance, the defense became one of the most improved in the FBS, with two all-conference linebackers leading the Sun Belt Conference in tackles. This turnaround highlights Woods’ ability to implement innovative strategies and foster a winning culture.His time at Oklahoma as a defensive specialist further solidified his reputation. Following this, Woods spent three seasons at Holmes Community College, where he led the team to its first winning season and best conference finish since 2000. This achievement earned him recognition as Mississippi Coaches Association Staff of the Year and Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference Coach of the Year.

Leadership Beyond the Field

Woods has demonstrated his prowess as a head coach, leading teams to unprecedented success. At Stonehill College, he was named AFCA Region II Coach of the Year and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2003 after guiding the Mountaineers to their first winning season since 1975. His leadership extended to other institutions such as Harvard, Wittenberg, and Plymouth State, where he consistently implemented effective strategies and built strong programs.

Building Legacy and Future Success

With Woods joining Ohio’s coaching staff, the future looks promising. His proven ability to develop top-tier defensive units and recruit high-caliber talent positions Ohio for significant advancements. Woods’ dedication to excellence and his comprehensive approach to coaching will undoubtedly elevate the linebackers’ room to new heights. As Ohio prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of Woods promises to bring renewed energy, strategic depth, and a competitive edge to the team.