The Tennessee Titans are hoping Dennard Wilson can bring some of the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive toughness to Music City.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Wednesday night that the Titans are close to a deal to make Wilson their new defensive coordinator.
Wilson had been a candidate to be the new defensive coordinator for the Ravens, replacing Mike Macdonald, who was announced as the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the day. Schultz reported he had also been a DC candidate for the Packers, Giants and Rams.
BREAKING: The #Titans are closing in on a deal to hire #Ravens DBs coach Dennard Wilson as their new DC, sources tell @BleacherReport.
Wilson has quickly risen up the coaching ladder after helping mold Baltimore’s secondary into one of the best units in football. pic.twitter.com/rAaP3sYjzP
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 1, 2024
The Ravens had arguably the best pass defense in the NFL this season, thanks in part to Wilson’s work with the secondary. They allowed 5.9 yards per pass attempt, tied with the Cleveland Browns for lowest in the league. They allowed only 18 TD passes, behind the Houston Texans’ league-low 17.
Wilson has 12 years of NFL coaching experience, including stints with the Rams, Jets and Eagles.
Former NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman, a former teammate of Wilson’s at Maryland, certainly likes the move.
“My @TerpsFootball teammate and about damn time man well deserved,” Merriman posted on X (formerly Twitter).
My @TerpsFootball teammate and about damn time man well deserved. 🐢 https://t.co/GIhyhEOuw6
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) February 1, 2024
Other reactions were also positive, although Ravens fans hate to see their coaching talent drain continue.
Huge that he picked the #Titans over other suitors. Massive pickup for Callahan/Carthon. https://t.co/7i8zfQjb8W
— MJ (@TheMJTake) February 1, 2024
Brian Callahan said he wanted his new #Titans defensive identity to be the things that give him, an offensive coordinator, the most trouble.
Dennard is a phenomenal candidate that fits that bill. https://t.co/xOFJXBStmO
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) February 1, 2024
The Ravens are just having their entire staff picked clean… absolutely brutal to watch. https://t.co/HRuXSkePXo
— Zach Bollinger (@zachbollinger18) February 1, 2024
The message. We’re going to pass and we’re going to defend the pass. #Titans https://t.co/DXF6KuKFX7
— Pretty Boy Kelly(Terminated) (@_PrettyBoyKelly) February 1, 2024
John Harbaugh has come under fire this week, and deservedly so, but the league is telling you how it feels about the defensive staff he assembled in Baltimore. Harbs is a world class hiring manager.
Now, if he could just quit abandoning his DNA in do-or-die playoff games… https://t.co/aRbq9p8wve
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) February 1, 2024
