Rod Woodson Out as Vegas Vipers Head Coach

The Vegas Vipers of the XFL are parting ways with head coach Rod Woodson, according to a report by Matty Fresh of the Bleav Network. It was confirmed by the XFL a short time later.

“After speaking mutually with my family and members of the football operations team, we decided it would be in our mutual interest for me to step away from the team,” Woodson said. “I would like to thank everyone at the League and wish them continued success as they enter season two.”

Woodson led the team to a 2-8 record and only had four invites to camps overall, something that the XFL is placing heavy emphasis on as a league that can develop talent. Woodson had been a coach before, working with the Raiders as their cornerbacks coach on two different occasions throughout his career.

However, he had not coached since 2017 prior to earning the head coaching gig in the XFL. Now, it seems that will be over after one season. Woodson and former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward were coaches in the XFL. The San Antonio Brahamas under Ward proved to be successful, landing multiple signees with NFL teams, including Luq Barcoo of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Woodson’s Vipers had zero NFL signings.

The XFL’s first season seemed to be a success for the players, following in the footsteps of the USFL to give players a second chance to showcase what they can do on the field. Multiple players ended up in rookie minicamps and some even inked deals. Two players, Hakeem Butler, and the aforementioned Barcoo, ended up signing deals with the Steelers. It has proven to become a good way for teams to see another intriguing talent that they could add to the bottom of their roster.

Woodson’s Vegas offense fielded fellow former Steeler Martavis Bryant. His career accomplishments as a player are illustrious but that has never seemed to fully translate over into the coaching field. Rod Woodson has six All-Pro honors, 11 Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl ring, and a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name. In addition, he is an NFL Hall of Famer and a member of the 1990s NFL Decade Team.