Former Maryland star Wilson added to staff as defensive backs coach
The Ravens have hired former Maryland star and Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach Dennard Wilson as their defensive backs coach, the team announced Tuesday.
Wilson, 40, was a candidate to become the Eagles’ defensive coordinator after Jonathan Gannon left to become coach of the Arizona Cardinals. But Eagles coach Nick Sirianni chose Sean Desai to fill the role. Philadelphia led the league in pass defense last year on its way to the Super Bowl.
“Dennard joining our defensive coaching staff is a strong addition to our team, and he will help us continue to develop our players and scheme in the strongest possible way,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “Dennard is a proven coach who has brought the best out of his units consistently throughout his NFL career. His history of working with defensive backs at the highest level will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our room.”
Wilson, an Upper Marlboro native, is entering his 12th year as an NFL coach after he began his career at his high school and college alma maters, DeMatha and Maryland, respectively. He coached for the New York Jets and St. Louis Rams before joining the Eagles and also worked as a scout for the Chicago Bears from 2008 to 2011. As a player, he was a three-year starter at cornerback and safety, appearing in 42 games and making 30 starts for the Terps and earning honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a senior.
It was not immediately clear how Wilson’s hiring would affect the role of Ravens secondary coach and pass-defense coordinator Chris Hewitt, who has worked on the team’s staff since 2012.