Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon have their first major hire to the coaching staff with the reported addition of Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator.
The news comes from Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, who notes that Wilson was a top candidate for the defensive coordinator jobs with the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers and New York Giants, also.
Wilson, who has a connection with Carthon from their days together in Los Angeles, has a solid resume and is highly regarded around the league. He’s coming off a season in which he helped the Ravens to the No. 6 pass defense.
Speaking of the Ravens: there was some thought that Wilson might stay in Baltimore after defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald was hired as the Seattle Seahawks’ head coach.
It isn’t clear is if that wasn’t offered to him or if he simply chose the Titans.
The only concern with this move is pairing a rookie head coach who calls the plays with a rookie defensive coordinator instead of a veteran one. However, Wilson is experienced enough (nine years as a DBs coach) to not be overly concerned about it.
Now, here’s a look at how Twitter reacted to the hiring.
Dennard Wilson was also a top DC candidate for the #Giants, #Packers and #Rams.
Under Wilson, the #Ravens’ pass defense ranked 6th in the NFL. Kyle Hamilton earned 1st-Team All-Pro honors, while fellow safety Geno Stone’s 7 INTS ranked second in all of football. https://t.co/BVkAzjWWpe
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 1, 2024
A lot of people speak very highly of Dennard Wilson so I’m pretty excited about this hire. Great start for coach Cally as he puts his staff together. https://t.co/lkEbAMuChB
— Preston Penn (@TheRealPres10) February 1, 2024
Dennard Wilson was a highly-regarded DB coach during his time with the Jets. Todd Bowles once predicted that Wilson would be a HC one day. He’s on the right track. https://t.co/FYpDDAk1Qe
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) February 1, 2024
Would absolutely love Dennard Wilson and Terrell Williams to hit it off.
Tough DL guru with experience in the organization and the core of the defense that will be retained (Simmons, Landry, Key, etc.) working alongside an innovative, young passing game-focused DC. #Titans pic.twitter.com/YyGjZRAT31
— Jake (@JakeAndBall) February 1, 2024
Dennard Wilson did an impressive job with the Eagles' defensive backs for two seasons and was a popular choice among players to earn a promotion to defensive coordinator last season.
The Eagles didn't choose Wilson, and now they're on to their third defensive play-caller since… https://t.co/eIZwQ42ofx
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) February 1, 2024
Ravens staff losses since their season ended THREE days ago
– Joe Hortiz
– Mike Macdonald
– Corey Krawiec
– Dennard Wilson— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) February 1, 2024
Defensive Free Agents with connections to Dennard Wilson:
• S Geno Stone (BAL)
• LB Patrick Queen (BAL)
• DT Justin Madubuike (BAL)
• CB Bryce Hall (NYJ)#Titans— Matt (@MattCurrySports) February 1, 2024
Will be interesting to see why Dennard Wilson ended up in Tennessee
Did the Ravens not offer him the position or did he not want it?
— ⚡️Garrett Ferguson⚡️ (@GarrettSprints) February 1, 2024
#Titans HC Brian Callahan said during his intro press conference that he was looking for a defensive coordinator that made things difficult on him as an offensive coach.
Callahan's Bengals averaged just 176 passing yards in 2 games vs. Dennard Wilson's secondary in 2023.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) February 1, 2024
Was definitely expecting Dennard Wilson to stay in Baltimore after the news of MacDonald going to Seattle. Welcome to Nashville, coach! #Titans
— Two Tone Talk (@twotone_podcast) February 1, 2024
A lot of people speak very highly of Dennard Wilson so I’m pretty excited about this hire. Great start for coach Cally as he puts his staff together.
Titans to revert back to a 4-3 base defense under new DC.#Titans
— The Real Avery Lynch (@YoungBull_Lynch) February 1, 2024
Never mind..Amy and Ran are cooking. Love Callahan. Absolutely LOVE the Dennard Wilson hire. Watch out. https://t.co/CjIvhsnQFD
— Knox Hargis (@Irishknox2014) February 1, 2024
Callahan and Dennard Wilson.
Ran is cookin! https://t.co/oHE5ihlT9M
— Scott Geirman (@scottgeirman) February 1, 2024
Big time get for Carthon and Callahan. Wilson had a major impact on both the Eagles and Ravens defenses over the last couple of seasons. https://t.co/1kBV7pWBhp
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) February 1, 2024
YOUR Tennessee #Titans got the TOP DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR on the market!!!!!
It’s a new era for the franchise and the amazing news just KEEPS ON COMING!
I was literally about to go to bed so I’ll be recording my full reaction tomorrow for a 6pm release. pic.twitter.com/PwLAgxOCQ8
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) February 1, 2024
