The first hire new Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan made to his staff was the addition of Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator.
While Wilson wasn’t the experienced coordinator I was looking for the Titans to pair with their rookie head coach, he is no doubt qualified for the job thanks to his extensive and impressive background as a DBs coach.
Adding to that, he’s worked under some impressive defensive coordinators, who he credits with grooming him for the job he currently holds in Tennessee.
We’ll go over all of that and much more as we take a look at seven things to know about the Titans’ new defensive coordinator.
In demand and highly regarded
The Titans weren’t the only ones vying for Wilson’s services, as he was considered a top candidate for the same role with the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams.
The fact that Wilson chose the Titans over those three teams is a great sign for what Brian Callahan, Ran Carthon and Co. have cooking in Nashville.
Dennard Wilson was a highly-regarded DB coach during his time with the Jets. Todd Bowles once predicted that Wilson would be a HC one day. He’s on the right track. https://t.co/FYpDDAk1Qe
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) February 1, 2024
Dennard Wilson did an impressive job with the Eagles' defensive backs for two seasons and was a popular choice among players to earn a promotion to defensive coordinator last season.
The Eagles didn't choose Wilson, and now they're on to their third defensive play-caller since… https://t.co/eIZwQ42ofx
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) February 1, 2024
Connection with Carthon
Having connections certainly helps in the NFL, and Wilson has one with the Titans’ general manager.
The new Titans defensive coordinator was a defensive quality control coach (2012-14) and defensive backs coach (2015-16) with the Rams, where Carthon served as director of player personnel (2012-16).
A lengthy history as a DBs coach
While Wilson doesn’t have any defensive coordinator experience, he does have an extensive background as a defensive backs coach and passing-game coordinator.
On top of his time with the Ravens, Wilson served as a defensive backs coach with the Rams, New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles. He also had the title of pass-game coordinator with Philly and New York.
In all, Wilson has over a decade of NFL coaching experience, nine of which has been spent as a defensive backs coach. He also served as a scout for the Chicago Bears for four years.
A history of success
In his lone season as DBs coach in Baltimore, Wilson helped guide the Ravens to the No. 6 pass defense and No. 1 scoring defense, and had a hand in the development of standout second-year safety, Kyle Hamilton.
In addition, the Ravens’ secondary was ranked first in opponent passer rating and the defense in whole became the first in NFL history to lead the league in points allowed, sacks and takeaways.
In his second season as the Rams’ DBs coach in 2016, Los Angeles sported the No. 10 pass defense.
Here are some more notable things about Wilson, per his bio on the Ravens’ official website:
Has played an important role in the development of several standout NFL DBs, including Jamal Adams, James Bradberry, Marcus Maye and Darius Slay.
Mentored a group that helped Philadelphia establish the NFL’s No. 1 pass defense (179.8 ypg), en route to a Super Bowl LVII appearance in 2022.
Great tutors
Wilson stated back in 2022 that he was ready for a bigger role like the one he has now, and he cited working under Todd Bowles and Gregg Williams as being hugely beneficial for his development.
“I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve been around some great defensive coordinators, in my opinion,” Wilson said. “I’ve been groomed by Gregg Williams, I’ve been groomed by Todd Bowles, who are very good in this league, and they’re very thorough. I’ve been tutored by them. I know how to run a ship. I know the responsibilities. So if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll be ready for it.”
Defensive free-agent connections from Ravens
Defensive Free Agents with connections to Dennard Wilson:
• S Geno Stone (BAL)
• LB Patrick Queen (BAL)
• DT Justin Madubuike (BAL)
• CB Bryce Hall (NYJ)#Titans— Matt (@MattCurrySports) February 1, 2024
What defense will he run?
It remains to be seen if Wilson will go with a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, as he’s worked under two defensive coordinators who ran a 3-4, and another who ran a 4-3.
