New Titans DC Dennard Wilson aims to cultivate an 'attacking defense' in Tennessee

It's no secret what type of philosophy new Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson aims to cultivate.

During his introductory news conference this week, Wilson detailed the basic mission of his undertaking, and it's an attitude that was sorely lacking in Tennessee last season.

"Football, it's not about the scheme, it's about the players," Wilson said, via the team's official website. "So, we have to figure out what they do well, and we'll put the scheme around them to allow their talents to flourish. I can tell you this about the scheme, and I learned this a long time ago, General George Patton said this: 'Nobody ever defended anything successfully. You are going to attack, and attack some more.'

"We are going to be an attacking defense. We are going to be violent in our approach. We are going to be smart, we are going to be intelligent, we are never going to compromise for competing, and that is the brand of football we are going to play around here."

The Titans defense finished middle of the pack in yards allowed across all categories but mightily struggled to force turnovers in 2023, finishing 31st in the league in total takeaways (14) and last in interceptions (six).

A stout defense is what largely made Mike Vrabel's tenure as head coach successful the past six years, which included two AFC South titles and a 2019 appearance in the AFC Championship Game. But consecutive losing seasons led Tennessee to fire Vrabel after the 2023 season, forging a path for first-year head coach Brian Callahan's arrival.

At his side, Callahan said the first-year DC will have authority to operate the defense the way he sees fit. Wilson plans to mold a blitzing unit that will rely on the strengths of its talent.

"For me, if I see a talented