The Tennessee Titans are limping into Sunday’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers with a 2-11 record, and there’s no sugarcoating it-this season has been a grind. With four games left, the focus in Nashville is already shifting toward what comes next. General manager Mike Borgonzi is expected to begin the formal search for a new head coach once the curtain falls on this disappointing campaign.
It’s been a season of upheaval. Brian Callahan was dismissed just six games in, and his father, Bill Callahan, stepped down from his role as offensive line coach shortly after.
The rest of the coaching staff has remained in place under interim head coach Mike McCoy, but that stability feels temporary. The expectation is that a significant housecleaning is coming once Week 18 wraps.
While a few assistants might be in line for a second look, one name stands out in the conversation: defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Dennard Wilson: A Bright Spot in a Bleak Season
Wilson’s situation is complicated. He’s not expected to return in 2026, but when you look at the body of work he’s put together under tough circumstances, it’s hard not to feel like he deserves more credit-and maybe even another shot.
Let’s start with what he’s been working with. The Titans traded away two starting cornerbacks-Roger McCreary and Jarvis Brownlee-midseason.
Then came the injury to L’Jarius Sneed, who landed on injured reserve. That left Wilson scrambling to rebuild his secondary from the ground up.
Suddenly, the Titans were without all three starting corners they opened the year with.
And it didn’t stop there. Dre’Mont Jones, the team’s most productive edge rusher, was also dealt at the deadline.
Borgonzi and executive Chad Brinker were clearly looking ahead, flipping veterans for draft picks and preparing for a long-term rebuild. That may have made sense from a front-office perspective, but it left Wilson with a patchwork defense and a steep hill to climb.
Still, the Defense Has Held Its Own
Despite the revolving door at key positions, Wilson has managed to keep this defense competitive. He’s leaned on rookies like Marcus Harris and Kevin Winston Jr., moving them into larger roles as injuries mounted. Darrell Baker Jr., who wasn’t even a lock to make the final roster back in August, is now the team’s top cornerback.
Sophomore linebacker Cedric Gray has emerged as a real difference-maker, showing the kind of development that speaks to strong coaching. And even with limited firepower in the pass rush, the Titans have racked up 32 sacks through 13 games-matching last year’s total and good for a tie at 13th in the league. That’s no small feat, especially considering the personnel losses.
Against the run, the Titans are holding their own as well. They’re currently ranked 18th, allowing 122.5 rushing yards per game.
It’s not elite, but given the circumstances, it’s solid. And Jeffery Simmons?
He’s been a force up front, playing at an All-Pro level under Wilson’s guidance.
What’s Next for Wilson?
Here’s where things get tricky. Whether the Titans hire an offensive or defensive-minded head coach, the odds of Wilson sticking around aren’t great.
If Borgonzi brings in an offensive coach, that hire will likely bring in his own defensive coordinator-someone he’s worked with before or trusts to implement his vision. On the flip side, if the Titans go with a defensive-minded leader, that coach will almost certainly want to install his own scheme. Either way, it leaves Wilson in a tough spot.
There’s been buzz among fans about retaining special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel, and it’s easy to see why-he’s got a strong track record. But Wilson’s name deserves to be in that conversation too. What he’s done with this defense-amid trades, injuries, and a roster in transition-has been nothing short of impressive.
Whoever ends up taking the reins in Tennessee should at least give Wilson the chance to make his case. Because if there’s one thing this season has proven, it’s that Dennard Wilson can coach.