NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees has informed the team he plans to return for the 2019 season.
It's a positive development. The Titans ranked 3rd in the NFL in scoring defense in 2018, and eighth overall in total defense.
Pees, who has 46 years of coaching experience, joined the Titans last offseason after coaching with the Ravens and Patriots. Three of his six seasons as defensive coordinator in Baltimore saw the Ravens finish in the top 10 on defense. He helped guide the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII.
The Titans recorded their first shutout since 2000 in a 17-0 win over the New York Giants in December.
The Titans finished the year ranked sixth vs the pass, and 18th vs the run.
Pees had a health concern during the season. He left the team's November 18 game vs the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium with a "medical issue," and he remained in an Indianapolis hospital one night for tests. Pees returned to Nashville the following day, however, and didn't miss a game the rest of the season.
TitansOnline looks back at the NFL coaching career of Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees watches players warm up during an organized team activity at the Titans' NFL football training facility Wednesday, May 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees instructs during NFL football training camp Friday, July 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees watches during NFL football training camp Friday, July 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, talks with Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2018, file photo, Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, right, talks with defensive coordinator Dean Pees before the team's NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans face the Baltimore Ravens this week; Pees is a former Ravens defensive coordinator. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, right, talks with defensive coordinator Dean Pees during warmups before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
