Dennard Wilson Makes the Leap from Baltimore Ravens to Tennessee Titans as New Defensive Coordinator
In a significant move within the NFL coaching ranks, Dennard Wilson, previously the secondary coach for the Baltimore Ravens, is set to embark on a new journey with the Tennessee Titans, taking on the role of defensive coordinator. This development was confirmed by several reports on Wednesday evening.
The Titans, under the new leadership of head coach Brian Callahan—who steps in for Mike Vrabel—will see Wilson fill the shoes of Shane Bowen, the team’s defensive coordinator since 2021.
Wilson, 41, leaves behind a notable stint with the Ravens, having contributed to the team’s reputation for defensive prowess. Under his guidance for a single season, the Ravens boasted a formidable defense, leading the NFL in points allowed per game (16.5), and ranking impressively in total yards allowed (301.4 per game) and passing yards allowed (191.9 per game).
The secondary, under Wilson’s watch, was particularly effective, tying for the second-fewest passing touchdowns allowed (18) and securing 18 interceptions, a figure that tied for third across the league.
Despite a stellar season that saw the Ravens clinch the best NFL record at 13-4, their journey ended with a 17-10 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
Wilson, who attended the University of Maryland, has a rich coaching background that began with the then-St. Louis Rams in 2012. He continued with the team through its relocation to Los Angeles, serving as the defensive backs coach between 2015 and 2016. His career also includes tenures with the New York Jets (2017-2020) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2021-2022) before his time with the Ravens.
As Wilson transitions to the Titans, he inherits a defense that seeks improvement, having ranked 16th in scoring defense (21.6 points per game) and 18th in total yards allowed (335.1 per game) last season. The Titans, finishing with a 6-11 record, aim to bolster their defensive capabilities and climb from the bottom of the AFC South under Wilson’s expertise.