The Tennessee Titans introduced offensive coordinator Nick Holz and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson during an introductory press conference on Wednesday.
But before both had the chance to speak, head coach Brian Callahan went into detail about the hiring process of his coaching staff that saw heavy involvement from general manager Ran Carthon.
“Great teachers, great leaders, excellent communicators, guys that have excellent knowledge in their respective positions,” Callahan said of the coaching staff hires, per Kayla Anderson of 104.5 The Zone. “It’s high energy, great personalities, which makes the office fun these days.”
“The process was thorough,” Callahan added. “Ran and I spent quite a bit of time together interviewing, making sure we brought guys in to speak to them. Wanted to see guys in person, wanted everybody to feel the presence in the room. It was a little bit drawn out, it’s still going — obviously there’s still hires to make — but part of that process was intentional. We were trying to make sure we got the best people we could get for our staff and for the fit on the personality side, as well.”
Callahan: Player development was an intentional part of the process of hiring his coaching staff.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) February 14, 2024
“Obviously, leaned heavily on Ran’s relationships,” Callahan continued. “If you all know Ran, he’s about as big a people person as there is. He’s got a ton of contacts around the league, people that he knew that I didn’t that we had conversations about. Ran was involved in all of the interviews, as well. Really good sounding board for me, really good advocate of people he knew, which was really helpful to sit and talk with him about the interview process.”
Brian Callahan says #Titans will still need to hire an assistant OL coach, special teams coordinator, and strength coach.
Adds that staff is “95% final.”
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) February 14, 2024
Now, a look at what Wilson and Holz had to say, as well as some thoughts from Callahan on both of his coordinators and the planned approach.
Wilson's opening statement
Dennard Wilson intro as the #Titans DC. pic.twitter.com/B48WfgBb2a
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) February 14, 2024
Wilson on defensive scheme, approach
Dennard Wilson said he is evaluating the players to see what type of scheme they will run on defense as a base. "We're going to be an attacking defense. We're going to be aggressive and violent in our approach, and we're going to be smart."
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) February 14, 2024
Wilson said the #Titans defense will be multiple and versatile in everything they do.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) February 14, 2024
Dennard Wilson says #Titans will have an attacking defense. pic.twitter.com/JcdB4vt1JB
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 14, 2024
Dennard Wilson said his philosophy on forcing turnovers will be similar to how the #Ravens do it, which was his most recent stop.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) February 14, 2024
Wilson on coaches who influenced him
#Titans DC Dennard Wilson named Jeff Fisher and Gregg Williams as big influences on his career before naming many others
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 14, 2024
Wilson on his admiration for Titans/Oilers
.@Titans DC Dennard Wilson: I've always admired the #Titans organization, dating back to days in Houston. Likes HC Brian Callahan and his core values as a coach, and person … Also mentions his relationship with GM Ran Carthon
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 14, 2024
DC Dennard Wilson: It’s a hell of a feeling to be defensive coordinator of the Tennessee @Titans. pic.twitter.com/6DqhDMn2q6
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 14, 2024
Wilson on what he'll preach on Day 1
#Titans DC Dennard Wilson on what he’ll preach from Day 1 on building a violent, aggressive defense. pic.twitter.com/RapCtvvbnI
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 14, 2024
"A team that fails to connect is a team that fails to win" pic.twitter.com/hjbk0ABTi4
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) February 14, 2024
Wilson on being a first-time play-caller
Dennard Wilson is a first-time player caller but said he has no reservations. Said he and his staff will be prepared and will make adjustments as they need to be made. Said entire defensive staff will have a role putting game plans together.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) February 14, 2024
Dennard Wilson on figuring out a full defense after years coaching DBs. #Titans pic.twitter.com/0PyeEtBe78
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 14, 2024
Wilson on DB versatility
New #Titans DC Dennard Wilson is big on versatility for DBs. He wants corners that can play inside and outside. Wilson also said he intends to teach and motivate players to go beyond their potential. pic.twitter.com/RzM6zU7qDl
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) February 14, 2024
Wilson on his three principles of coaching
Three principles: #Titans. pic.twitter.com/8vdnIWOP4Z
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 14, 2024
Wilson on DL Jeffery Simmons
"He can affect a game all by himself."
-Dennard Wilson on Jeffery Simmons #Titans pic.twitter.com/OqHs7sRns8— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) February 14, 2024
High praise for @GrindSimmons94 pic.twitter.com/u3nfvUFONC
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) February 14, 2024
Callahan on Wilson's hiring, role
.@Titans HC Brian Callahan: Was looking for the best defensive coach he could find, and thinks he found it in DC Dennard Wilson. Wilson will have control of the defense, Callahan said
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 14, 2024
Callahan on game-planning, play-calling
Brian Callahan says he plans to use a synergy approach on offense. No one is too low to have input. Callahan said he's going to lean on everyone on the staff to make a contribution for the #Titans plays and install. pic.twitter.com/syEk2VZAsB
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) February 14, 2024
Brian Callahan on game-planning ➡️ play-calling. #Titans pic.twitter.com/74knoLVkuk
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 14, 2024
#Titans HC Brian Callahan says the set up between himself and OC Nick Holz is supposed to be the same as he had with Zac Taylor in Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/xm4Fyuidet
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) February 14, 2024
Callahan said the #Titans will always try to dictate the terms and tempo on offense.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) February 14, 2024
Holz on what he'll preach
New @Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz on what he’ll preach: pic.twitter.com/Tk7hARWbWu
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 14, 2024
Holz and Callahan on offensive approach
#Titans OC Nick Holz and HC Brian Callahan plan to dictate what they want to do on offense, although Callahan acknowledged there's a time and place for everything. They'll at times take what the defense gives when necessary. pic.twitter.com/xAQHxPWXke
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) February 14, 2024
Holz on QB Will Levis
Nick Holz said Will Levis has the three baseline qualities he wants in a QB. Arm strength, accuracy, and toughness. pic.twitter.com/U8SbQvq7d7
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) February 14, 2024
Nick Holz said the chance to work with and help develop Will Levis is one of the things that made coming to the #Titans attractive.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) February 14, 2024
Holz on his relationship with Callahan
From De La Salle High School to coaching together in the NFL, a wild journey for HC Brian Callahan and OC Nick Holz pic.twitter.com/1Kco5KdfNS
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) February 14, 2024
Holz on his role
Holz: I’m just like a regular offensive coordinator, I just won’t call the plays
He’ll be over everything Gameplan related during the week
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) February 14, 2024
