Dennard Wilson has helped defenses improve since his coaching career began in 2o12. Due to Wilson playing safety and cornerback at a high level in college, he has an affinity for working with defenses and improving defensive back play. Wilson has been a designated defensive back coach for multiple teams since 2015, including the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles and this year’s Baltimore Ravens. Throughout Wilson’s coaching tenure, he has helped defensive backs increase their productivity and earn several accolades. Specifically, Wilson was able to assist safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in having the best statistical season of his career with the Eagles in 2022. Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions in 12 games, double the amount he has accumulated in any other season. These performance spikes helped Wilson’s stock as a defensive coach and earned him the new defensive coordinator job with the Tennessee Titans.
New Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson Is a Good Fit
Wilson Will Help the Titans Poor Secondary Play
Passing defense is a huge problem the Titans have experienced since their early playoff exit in 2021. The Titans conceded the most passing yards per game in 2022 and did not improve enough in 2023 to have much confidence heading into next season. In fairness, the Titans have dealt with numerous injuries on defense and traded away safety Keven Byard to the Eagles midseason. However, these explanations do not detract from the need for better secondary play. Wilson can improve the relatively young secondary play because he has done it previously. Specifically, Wilson coached young safety Jamal Adams on the New York Jets, helping him to two of his best statistical seasons in 2018 and 2019. With most of the secondary still in their mid-twenties, Wilson can help develop them into decent NFL starters.
The Titans Defense Already Has Talent
Wilson’s last two coaching stints were on premium defenses with the Eagles and Ravens. Thankfully, Wilson will work with some decent talent on the Titans in 2024. Although the quality dropped with Byard leaving, the Titans still have star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and linebacker Harold Landry III. Additionally, the Titans can retain defensive end Denico Autry to assist in the struggling pass rush. Another important re-signing is linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair because he enters free agency this offseason. Making these moves will ensure that Wilson can emphasize improving the secondary, as the linebacker and defensive line play will already be decent. Several players have shown promise in the secondary, especially second-round pick cornerback Roger McCreary. So, if Wilson can assist McCreary’s development, the Titans could have a great defense next season.
Wilson Is Used to New Coaching Regimes
Throughout his 12-year NFL coaching career, Wilson has been a part of four teams. The ability to join new teams and contribute to their success demonstrates that he can work well with new coaching staff. This adaptability will be vital to the Titans success next season because of the new coaching regime coming in 2024. Since this is Wilson’s first season as a defensive coordinator, he will have to adjust quickly to the new role and coaching staff. However, getting hired in February will give Wilson ample time to know the players and be ready for his first game as an official defensive coordinator. Although the season could go many different ways because of the team’s numerous changes, many fans are excited to see a new Titans defense in 2024.
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