Daboll, Wilson Face Former Teams in Unusual Titans-Giants Matchup
Former Giants head coach Brian Daboll will call plays for the Titans offense, while ex-Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson now leads the Giants defense.
Sunday's game between the Tennessee Titans and the New York Giants presents a peculiar scenario, with both teams featuring coaches who previously held prominent roles with the opposing franchise. Brian Daboll, formerly the head coach of the Giants, is now calling the offensive plays for the Titans. Concurrently, Dennard Wilson, who served as the Titans' defensive coordinator, is now leading the Giants' defense.
This reshuffling occurred during the offseason. Upon being hired as the Titans' head coach, Robert Saleh did not retain Wilson, who had been with the team in 2024-25. Wilson has since joined the Giants. "I've known (Saleh) for a while and most of the people on the staff either I worked with or I know," Wilson stated. "I'm happy where I'm at. I love being a Giant and I’m not looking back. All respect to that organization and the coaches and the players there."
Daboll, who coached the Giants from 2022 to 2025, expressed a professional approach to facing his former team. "I’ve faced a lot of former teams before," Daboll said. "I have a ton of respect for the people in that organization. Very grateful for the opportunity that the Mara and Tisch families gave me, but it’s about our players and getting ready for a game."
Several players and assistant coaches also transitioned between the two teams. Free agents Cor’Dale Flott, Wan’Dale Robinson, Daniel Bellinger, and offensive linemen Austin Schlottmann and James Hudson III followed Daboll to the Titans. Assistant coaches Carmen Bricillo, Shea Tierney, and Cade Knox also made the move from the Giants to the Titans.
Giants running back Cam Skattebo and receiver Malik Nabers, both drafted by Daboll, acknowledged their past relationship. "Dabes is my guy," Nabers said. "Drafted me here, had a good relationship. I implemented a couple routes for myself in (his playbook), so he’s pretty open-minded."
One notable absence for the Giants will be quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is out for the season with a knee injury requiring surgery. "Obviously, he’s devastated with what happened," Daboll commented. "Prayers to him. We’re in a competitive industry, but we’re in a human industry, too. It was a tough one to see. I have a lot of respect for him, a lot of love for him, and I know he’ll come back stronger than ever."