Dennard Wilson is entering his first season as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants after spending the previous two seasons in the same role with the Tennessee Titans. He brings 14 years of NFL coaching experience to East Rutherford.
In 2024, the Titans' defense allowed 311.2 yards per game and 177.3 passing yards per game, both of which were the second-lowest marks in the league. In 2025, Tennessee was efficient in getting after the quarterback, ranking among the top 10 teams in sacks per pass attempt, with an 8.2 percent rate, the highest by a Titans team since 2005.
Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had his most productive season in 2025 under Wilson's tutelage. Simmons totaled a career-high 11.0 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and 3 forced fumbles. He was named first team All-Pro by the Associated Press and was voted to his fourth career Pro Bowl.
Prior to his time in Tennessee, Wilson was a part of John Harbaugh's staff in Baltimore for the 2023 season as the defensive backs coach. In his lone year with the Ravens, the defense ranked near the top of the league in interceptions (18, third in the NFL), passes defensed (85, fourth) and passing yards allowed per game (191.9, sixth). Safety Kyle Hamilton anchored the secondary, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a trip to the Pro Bowl after producing 13 passes defensed and 10 tackles for loss.
Wilson coached the Philadelphia Eagles secondary in 2021 and 2022, playing a key role in consecutive playoff appearances for the Eagles, including a trip to Super Bowl LVII. During the 2022 season, Philadelphia's secondary allowed a league-low 179.8 passing yards per game. Both of Philadelphia's starting corners earned recognition, as Darius Slay was voted to the Pro Bowl and James Bradberry was named second-team All-Pro.
Wilson spent four seasons (2017-20) with the New York Jets, working with the defensive backs. He played an important role in the ascension of Jamal Adams, who earned two of his three career Pro Bowl nods and his only first-team All-Pro honor while playing under Wilson. After Wilson added the title of passing game coordinator in 2019, the Jets recorded four pick-sixes in 2019 and 2020, tied for the third-most in the league.
In 2012, Wilson entered his first season coaching in the NFL as a defensive quality control coach with the St. Louis Rams. He spent five seasons (2012-16) with the Rams, including the last two as the defensive backs coach. Prior to his tenure with the Rams, Wilson was a pro scout for the Chicago Bears from 2008-11.
Wilson started his coaching career at DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland in 2004, before working as a graduate assistant for two years (2007-08) at the University of Maryland.
A native of Upper Marlboro, Md., Wilson and his wife, Taihitia, have a daughter, Riley, and a son, Reece. He attended the University of Maryland, where he earned his degree in communications. On the gridiron, Wilson was a three-year starter and team captain for the Terrapins. He was tabbed as an honorable mention All-ACC performer in 2003 after leading the team with 12 passes defensed. In 2004, Wilson was signed as a rookie free agent by Washington, where he earned a spot on the practice squad before suffering a season-ending injury.
2026-Present: New York Giants - Defensive Coordinator
2024-25: Tennessee Titans - Defensive Coordinator
2023: Baltimore Ravens - Defensive Backs
2022: Philadelphia Eagles - Defensive Passing Game Coord./Defensive Backs
2021: Philadelphia Eagles - Defensive Backs
2019-20: New York Jets - Passing Game Coord./Defensive Backs
2017-18: New York Jets - Defensive Backs
2015-16: St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams - Defensive Backs
2012-14: St. Louis Rams - Defensive Quality Control
2008-11: Chicago Bears - Pro Scout
2007-08: University of Maryland - Graduate Assistant
2004-06: DeMatha Catholic High School - Defensive Backs/Passing Game Coord.
