Rex Ryan teaming up with John Harbaugh in New York would’ve made for one of the more intriguing reunions of this NFL offseason. But instead of rekindling that old Ravens magic, Harbaugh has opted to go in a different direction - one that’s rooted in familiarity, but with a fresher twist.
Dennard Wilson is officially the Giants’ new defensive coordinator. And while his name might not carry the same weight as Ryan’s in coaching circles just yet, Wilson’s résumé and relationship with Harbaugh tell a story worth watching.
Wilson spent the past two seasons as the Titans’ defensive coordinator, and before that, he served as Harbaugh’s secondary coach in Baltimore in 2023. That connection clearly carried weight. Harbaugh, now beginning his next chapter as head coach of the Giants after a long and successful run with the Ravens from 2008 to 2025, knows what he’s getting in Wilson - a sharp defensive mind with a deep understanding of how Harbaugh wants to run things.
That doesn’t mean Rex Ryan wasn’t in the mix. In fact, Harbaugh confirmed that he and Ryan had “lengthy” conversations about the job.
“I talked to Rex about that job at length,” Harbaugh said. “Rex is a guy I love and have a lot of respect for.”
And that respect is earned. Ryan was Harbaugh’s first defensive coordinator in Baltimore back in 2008, helping lay the foundation for a defense-first identity that would define much of Harbaugh’s tenure.
Ryan then went on to become the Jets’ head coach, leading them to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in his first two seasons. But the magic didn’t last - New York missed the playoffs in each of his final four years, and Ryan wrapped up his Jets tenure with a 46-50 regular-season record (4-2 in the postseason).
His next stop was Buffalo, where he went 15-16 across two seasons before being let go. Since then, Ryan has traded the headset for a microphone, working as an analyst for ESPN. And while the idea of him returning to the sidelines always sparks a little buzz, each passing year makes a comeback feel more like a long shot.
So no, Rex Ryan won’t be calling plays for the Giants defense in 2026. That job belongs to Wilson now - and he’s got work to do.
New York’s defense has struggled to find consistency over the past two seasons, especially under Shane Bowen, who was let go midway through 2025 after a string of late-game breakdowns that proved too costly to ignore. Wilson’s task is clear: stabilize the unit, instill discipline, and bring back some bite to a defense that hasn’t had much of it lately.
It’s a big opportunity for Wilson - and a big bet by Harbaugh. But given their history and Harbaugh’s track record of building strong defensive staffs, it’s a move that makes sense. Now it’s on Wilson to prove he’s ready to lead a turnaround in East Rutherford.