The Chargers on Friday confirmed they have interviewed Dennard Wilson for the defensive coordinator position.
Bookmark the Chargers Defensive Coordinator Candidate Tracker for the latest news.
Here are five things to know about Wilson:
1. Time in Tennessee
Wilson has spent the last couple of seasons leading the Titans defense.
Named the Tennessee Defensive Coordinator leading into the 2024 season, Wilson spent a pair of seasons as the defensive playcaller.
He joined the Titans after 12 years of NFL coaching experience, including nine seasons leading defensive back units.
2. Top unit in 2024
Wilson's first season manning the unit produced an impressive outcome.
The team finished the year ranked second overall in total defense (311.2 opponent yards per game), a figure that was the team's highest ranking since they led the league in that category in 2000.
Wilson's defense also finished second in passing defense (177.3) and tied for the fifth-fewest first downs allowed per game (18.5) and opponent yards allowed per play (5.2).
3. NFL experience
As previously mentioned, Wilson's experience on the coaching sideline goes back quite a bit.
He spent a season as the Ravens defensive backs coach in 2023 prior to joining Tennessee, and has been with the Eagles, Jets, and Rams before that as well.
Wilson broke into the league as a coach with the Rams as he held the defensive quality control and defensive backs coach positions over his five years.
4. In the front office
Despite the Rams being his first break as an NFL coach, his breakthrough into the league came before that.
Wilson actually began his career in player personnel with the Bears, as he was a pro scout for the team from 2008 to 2011.
It was only after that when he began his coaching career in the league.
5. As a player
The Maryland native stayed in his home state to play college football.
Wilson was a three-year starter and team captain as a Maryland defensive back, playing both cornerback and safety.
After finishing up at Maryland, he became an undrafted rookie free agent with Washington, where he would spend a year.
