New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has wasted no time tapping into his old connections during the staff-building process upon arriving in East Rutherford. Chief among the old faces in this new place is recently hired defensive coordinator (DC) Dennard Wilson.
Wilson spent one year as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive backs coach during Harbaugh's legendary near-two-decade run with the franchise. Evidently, the former made a lasting impression on the latter during their brief overlap, considering they're now set to join forces again. Their reunion bodes well for the Giants at large, but (of course) more specifically, their promising defense.
The Giants have an intriguing blend of young talent and accomplished veterans on Wilson's side of the ball. It's a unit loaded with untapped potential, especially if he can elevate New York's Tyler Nubin as we've seen him do with other gifted safeties.
Tyler Nubin suddenly gifted new life after Giants hire Dennard Wilson as DC
Excluding his latest stint as the Tennessee Titans' DC, Wilson has become known for improving secondaries. And all things considered, he did a solid job in the Volunteer State, given what he had (or didn't) to work with. With this in mind, it's hard not get excited about the idea of him getting Nubin back on track.
Wilson has a track record that speaks for itself. He guided Jamal Adams to a pair of Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods as the New York Jets' defensive backs coach/defensive pass game coordinator. During his time in the same roles with the Philadelphia Eagles, James Bradberry secured All-Pro honors.
In case those weren't enough examples, Ravens star Kyle Hamilton earned All-Pro First Team and Pro Bowl recognition in Wilson's lone campaign with Baltimore. There's plenty of proof of concept that should pique Big Blue Nation's interest, especially regarding what it may mean for Nubin's career trajectory.
Of course, just because Wilson has unlocked other players doesn't mean that Nubin is bound to break out in 2026. However, like Adams, Bradberry and Hamilton, New York's 2024 second-round pick entered the NFL as a highly touted prospect — and for good reason. Do with that information what you will.
With the right tutelage, there's no reason why Nubin can't be Wilson's next success story. The Minnesota product regressed in 2025 following a solid rookie season, though development isn't always linear.