The winds of change continue to sweep through Nashville, and the latest move is a significant one on the defensive side of the ball. The Titans have informed defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson that he will not be retained under new head coach Robert Saleh’s staff, signaling a fresh start for a unit that’s been through its share of growing pains.
Wilson, who took over the Titans’ defense in 2024, faced an uphill battle from the start. Injuries, roster turnover, and inconsistent play all played a role in the defense’s struggles, but Wilson still managed to keep things competitive at times.
The numbers weren’t flattering - Tennessee finished 28th in points allowed and 21st in total defense last season - but context matters. This was a unit that had to patch holes on the fly and rarely had all its pieces on the field at once.
Despite the challenges, Wilson’s coaching pedigree remains strong, and he’s already begun drawing interest elsewhere. He’s interviewed with the Commanders for their defensive coordinator position, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more teams come calling. His résumé includes stints as a defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator with the Jets, Eagles, and Ravens - and he’s earned a reputation as a sharp defensive mind with a knack for developing secondary talent.
Wilson’s coaching journey started back in 2012 with the Rams as a defensive quality control coach. He climbed the ladder quickly, becoming a DBs coach and eventually moving on to bigger roles with multiple teams. His time in Philadelphia in particular showcased his ability to maximize talent in the secondary, and that skill set is always in demand in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
While the Titans are moving on from Wilson, they’re holding onto one key piece of their coaching staff: special teams coordinator John Fassel. And that’s no small detail. Fassel is one of the most respected special teams minds in the league, with a track record that spans two decades and multiple franchises.
At 52, Fassel brings a wealth of experience and continuity to a Titans team undergoing significant change. His NFL journey began in 2005 with the Ravens, and he’s since made stops with the Raiders, Rams, Cowboys, and now Tennessee. Along the way, he’s built a reputation for fielding disciplined, high-performing special teams units - and even stepped in as interim head coach for the Rams back in 2016 after Jeff Fisher was let go.
Fassel joined the Titans in 2025 after a stint with the Cowboys, where he served as special teams coordinator under Mike McCarthy. When Dallas opted not to extend McCarthy, Fassel became available - and Tennessee didn’t waste time bringing him aboard. Now, with Saleh taking over, Fassel’s presence provides a steady hand in a phase of the game that often goes overlooked but can swing outcomes in a heartbeat.
As the Titans reshape their identity under Saleh, the decision to part ways with Wilson and retain Fassel offers a glimpse into the team’s priorities. They’re leaning into experience and proven results on special teams while seeking a new voice to lead a defense that needs a reset. The road ahead in Tennessee is still taking shape, but one thing’s clear: this is a franchise making bold moves to chart a new course.