Titans Hire Ravens Coach Dennard Wilson as Their Defensive Coordinator

Dennard Wilson, the defensive backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens, one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL in 2023, becomes a critical piece in the rebuilding of the Tennessee Titans.

NASHVILLE — Brian Callahan made his first hire less than a week after being introduced as the Tennessee Titans' new coach. 

A source confirmed to AllTitans.com that Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson will become the Titans' new defensive coordinator. 

Perhaps the Titans moved quickly because Wilson's boss in Baltimore — defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald — was hired Wednesday as the Seattle Seahawks' head coach. 

Wilson, who had interviewed on Tuesday with the Titans, has been a popular candidate. He interviewed twice with the New York Giants. He also drew requests for conversations with the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers. 

Wilson spent one season in Baltimore on John Harbaugh's staff, leading one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus grading, the Ravens had the second-best defense overall in the NFL and the second-best pass coverage.

In 2023, they allowed only 5.9 yards per pass, tied for the lowest average in the league with the Cleveland Browns. Ravens' opponents completed only 60.6% of their passes, the fifth-best defensive average last year.

Now Wilson takes command of a Titans defense that Pro Football Focus ranked 26th of 32 NFL teams in pass coverage and 29th overall.

Wilson's NFL coaching career began in 2012 with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, with whom he spent five seasons. He also worked with the New York Jets (2017-20) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2021-22). In that second season with the Eagles, Wilson helped establish the NFL's No. 1 pass defense (179.8 ypg) en route to a Super Bowl LVII appearance. 

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