Wilson began his coaching career at Stanford from 1992-94 where he coached wide receivers and tight ends on the staff of former 49ers coach Bill Walsh, followed by two seasons as wide receivers coach of the Oakland Raiders (1995–96). From 1997-99 he served as wide receivers coach at USC.
After four years in private business (2000–03) Wilson joined the Arizona Cardinals as tight ends coach in 2004. From 2005-06 he coached the Cardinals wide receivers.