Titans Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson Must Rebuild One of NFL’s Leakiest Defenses

Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson built NFL-leading pass defenses in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Now he is tasked with creating a defense that can create turnovers and stop prodigious passing offenses.

NASHVILLE — New Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has the arduous task of rebuilding a defense that has struggled against the pass. 

Wilson built his brand in the National Football League as a defensive backs coach. 

In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens tied with the Cleveland Browns for the best average of 5.9 yards allowed per pass. Opponents completed only 60.6% of their passes against the Ravens, the fifth-best defensive average last year.

The Ravens also ranked first in fewest points allowed, giving up only 16.5 per game,  and tied for first with 31 takeaways, which included 18 interceptions.

In 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson coached the best pass defense in the NFL, allowing only 179.8 yards per game, culminating in a Super Bowl LVII appearance. Without Wilson in 2023, the Eagles' pass defense fell to 29th in the league. 

Now Wilson takes charge of a Titans defense that ranked among the worst in the NFL: 

• most passing yards allowed;
• fewest interceptions; 
• and 31st in creating turnovers. 

With head coach Brian Callahan and Ran Carthon, Titans executive vice president/general manager, Wilson must address a defense that could use reinforcements.

The defensive line has a strong anchor in tackle Jeffrey Simmons. Cornerback Roger McCreary, who is signed through 2025, allowed no touchdowns on 89 targets.

But starting cornerbacks Kristian Fulton and Sean Murphy-Bunting and leading tackler Azeez Al-Shaair are among the Titans' 24 free agents.

The talent shopping begins in earnest in mid-March when NFL teams can sign free agents. The 2024 NFL Draft in late April is another chance to reload and the Titans are expected to look for a defensive back somewhere in rounds 4-7.

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