The Cleveland Browns continue to trek toward finding their new defensive coordinator after the firing of Joe Woods. They have already interviewed seasoned veterans Jim Schwartz and Brian Flores, and then just yesterday interviewed the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dennard Wilson. Although Wilson has never been a defensive coordinator at just 39 years old, he has the support of a Pro Bowler in Darius Slay.
Just two weeks ago, Slay was loud about the impact Wilson has played on his career during their time together in Philadelphia. Here are some quotes that stand out from Slay’s vocal support of the newest defensive coordinator target in Cleveland.
Wilson has helped Slay take his game to a new level
Slay was already a great player during his time with the Detroit Lions, but has been on another level for the Eagles. He even received All-Pro votes this season for the Eagles, and he credits Wilson with a great deal of his success in Philadelphia:
“I’m not going to sit here and play around… Dennard, man, he’s been a great coach. He helped me elevate my game to a whole ‘nother level.”
Darius Slay is shocked Dennard Wilson has not gotten his shot yet
Dennard Wilson has been around the league for 15 years and has not been a defensive coordinator yet. And Slay questions why that has been the case:
“He ain’t never steered me wrong, not once yet… Like I said, I’m just surprised he’s been in the game 15 years and not had a [defensive coordinator] job because he’s a smart dude. And he played in this league before so I won’t be surprised if sooner or later he has one of them jobs.”
Why does Wilson deserve a defensive coordinator gig?
Slay has a good reason why Wilson should be a defensive coordinator as well:
“Because of the way he can game plan. He’s smart… Because everything he’s been telling me, him, [Gannon] and the whole staff has been telling me, it’s been true on the field every time. Even with my film study I do myself, them guys have been right.”
