Overview
- John Harbaugh said he spoke "at length" with Rex Ryan about the Giants' defensive coordinator opening and expressed strong respect for him.
- Harbaugh ultimately selected Dennard Wilson for the position after receiving a recommendation from new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, according to The Athletic.
- Wilson ran Tennessee’s defense in 2024 and 2025, overseeing a top-two unit in 2024 before the group dropped to 21st in total defense last season.
- The hire aligns with Harbaugh’s push to refresh New York’s defense after the unit allowed more than 2,470 rushing yards in 2025.
- Ryan, 63, has not coached since his 2016 dismissal by the Bills and currently works as an ESPN analyst.