OWINGS MILLS — A potential candidate for the Ravens’ defensive coordinator position is reportedly going to Tennessee.
The Titans are close to reaching a deal with Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson to become their defensive coordinator, according to BleacherReport. Wilson, 41, also drew interest from the Packers, Rams and Giants.
Wilson was reportedly one of the Ravens’ in-house candidates to succeed Mike Macdonald, who left to become the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh can now turn his attention to other in-house candidates for defensive coordinator, such as associate head coach and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, linebackers coach Zach Orr, and pass game coordinator Chris Hewitt.
The Dolphins have expressed interest in Weaver to fill their vacant defensive coordinator position after Vic Fangio left to join the Philadelphia Eagles. Wilson and Orr are reportedly candidates for the defensive coordinator job in Green Bay.
Wilson just completed his 12th season as an NFL assistant coach. He was hired by Harbaugh before the 2023 season and helped turn around a Ravens secondary that struggled last year.
The Ravens had the league’s No. 1 scoring defense, the second-fewest passing touchdowns, and finished sixth in passing yardage allowed this past season. Baltimore also allowed only 5.9 yards per pass — tied for the lowest average in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns.
The Titans ranked 26th in pass coverage and 29th overall, according to Pro Football Focus. Wilson would be the first hire by new Titans coach Brian Callahan, who previously served as offensive coordinator for the Bengals and replaced Mike Vrabel in Tennessee.
Wilson was also an assistant for two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as defensive passing game coordinator (2022) and defensive backs coach (2021 and 2022). Wilson helped Philadelphia earn the NFL’s No. 1 pass defense (179.8 yards allowed per game) en route to the Super Bowl in 2022.
Before working for the Eagles, Wilson also spent time with the New York Jets (2017-20), St. Louis Rams (2012-16) and Chicago Bears (2008-11). Wilson was a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland (2007-08) and worked as a defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator at DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland (2004-06).