9:20am: Wilson is not the only Ravens staffer on the Packers’ radar. Green Bay has also requested a DC interview with linebackers coach Zach Orr, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. Orr’s playing career was cut short due to a congenital spine condition, but he has transitioned to coaching at the NFL level. The 31-year-old worked with the Ravens from 2017-20 before taking a position with the Jaguars. He then returned to Baltimore in 2022 in his current role, which has made him a key figure on DC Mike Macdonald‘s staff.
8:56am: Dennard Wilson remains a highly sought-after defensive coordinator candidate. The Ravens defensive backs coach has received a DC interview request from the Packers, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Green Bay moved on from Joe Barry after the team’s elimination, a move which had been predicted by many before the 2023 campaign. The Packers have cast a wide net in their search for his replacement, although to date only two interviews have taken place with one more lined up. Wilson adds to the list of Green Bay’s targets, but the team will likely have competition for his services if an interview produces an offer.
Wilson, as Rapoport notes, has a Titans interview scheduled for today. He is also set to speak with the Rams, and those teams are joined by the Giants in having shown interest. New York has lined up a second interview with Wilson, whose stock rose during the 2023 campaign. After being passed up for the Eagles’ DC position last offseason, Wilson departed for Baltimore to take on the same role.
The 41-year-old helped oversee a Ravens secondary which was among the league’s best this year. Baltimore finished sixth in terms of passing yards allowed per game, and the team racked up 18 interceptions. An NFL staffer since 2012, Wilson has extensive experience as a secondary coach and passing game coordinator. He has never held a defensive coordinator title, however.
Green Bay finished 10th in scoring defense in 2023, but overall the team underperformed relative to expectations during much of Barry’s tenure at the helm. Improvement against the run in particular will be a target moving forward, and the team’s new defensive staff will be a key storyline entering the 2024 season as the Packers aim to build off their offensive success.
Here is an updated look at the Packers’ DC search:
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): To interview
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Rumored candidate
- Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): Rumored candidate
- Zach Orr, linebackers coach (Ravens): Interview requested
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/25
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Rumored candidate
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Interview requested
ORR has the inside track for the position of DC for the Packers.
The team doesn’t want to end up UP THE CREEK without him !!
Either of the two Ravens staff I would he over the moon for.
Babich is out due to being promoted to DC. I’m surprised no interview for Leonhard or for Al Harris but I wouldn’t mind either of these two or Durde from the Cowboys.