The Ohio football program has announced the hiring of veteran coach Chris Woods as its new linebackers coach, effective immediately. Head Coach Brian Smith made the announcement on March 10, highlighting Woods’ extensive coaching background.
Woods brings more than 30 years of experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. He has worked as a coordinator, head coach, and analyst, most recently serving as a linebackers coach in the United Football League.
“Chris is a well-decorated coach with a proven track record of developing strong defensive units,” Smith said. “He also has an impressive recruiting background, having brought in future All-Americans and all-conference players. He is ready to get to work this spring, and I’m excited to see him elevate our linebackers’ room.”
Extensive Coaching Background
Before joining Ohio, Woods was the linebackers coach and interim defensive coordinator at Temple from 2022 to 2025. Under his leadership, Temple produced three all-conference players, one All-American, and two NFL Draft picks. In 2024, Temple’s inside linebackers led the American Athletic Conference in tackles.
Prior to Temple, Woods was a senior defensive analyst at Kansas (2020-22), where he contributed to scouting, practice preparation, and defensive evaluation. He also stepped in as the linebackers coach for the 2020 season finale.
His professional coaching experience includes serving as defensive coordinator for Bob Stoops’ Dallas Renegades in the XFL (2019-20). He also held key coaching roles at Texas State (2018-19), Oklahoma (2015-18), and Columbia (2011). His time at Texas State was particularly notable, as he helped develop one of the most improved defenses in the FBS while coaching two all-conference linebackers who led the Sun Belt Conference in tackles.
Head Coaching Experience
Woods has also worked as a head coach. He led Stonehill College (2004-06) and Mansfield (2000-03), where he earned AFCA Region II Coach of the Year and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2003. That year, he guided Mansfield to its first winning season since 1975 and an 8-3 record—the program’s highest win total since 1946.
A Strong Addition to Ohio Football
Woods has built a reputation as a defensive specialist, with additional coaching stints at Harvard (2007), Wittenberg (1996-2000), and Plymouth State (1994-95). His wealth of experience makes him a valuable addition to Ohio’s coaching staff.
A native of Milton, Mass., Woods earned a degree in sociology and anthropology from Davidson. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two children, Braden and Hannah.
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