The confirmation on January 22, 2026, marks a seismic shift in the Tennessee Titans organization. They reached an agreement with Robert Saleh to become the 20th head coach in the history of the Oilers/Titans franchise.¹ The hire was finalized after an exhaustive search. This process included eighteen candidate interviews over a two-week period. It signals a move toward defensive stabilization and cultural accountability. This follows a period of unprecedented institutional volatility.³ Saleh most recently orchestrated a top-tier defensive unit for the San Francisco 49ers, despite significant personnel losses. He arrives in Nashville on a five-year contract. This contract is designed to provide the necessary runway for a comprehensive franchise rebuild.² This appointment is not merely a personnel change. It is a systemic pivot by General Manager Mike Borgonzi. He intends to pair the 2025 number one overall pick, quarterback Cam Ward, with an experienced leader. This leader is capable of fostering a “CEO-type” environment.⁸

The Anatomy of Institutional Failure: The 2025 Context

The necessity of the Saleh hire is rooted in the catastrophic operational and cultural failure of the 2025 season.¹⁰ The Titans finished the year at 3-14. This matched their 2024 record. However, they exhibited a much more concerning lack of discipline and situational awareness.¹⁰ Brian Callahan was dismissed on October 13, 2025, after a 1-5 start. His dismissal was due to a series of “avoidable coaching errors.” These errors eroded the confidence of the locker room and the ownership group alike.¹³

Quantitative Analysis of the 2025 Season

The statistical profile of the 2025 Titans revealed a team with historic offensive inefficiency. The team was also systematically vulnerable on defence.¹⁰ The team couldn’t protect the rookie quarterback. It failed to sustain drives. This created a negative feedback loop. The loop overwhelmed the roster’s few elite performers.⁸

Performance Metric	2025 Statistic	League Standing
Overall Record	3-14	30th (Tied)
Points For Per Game	16.7	30th
Points Against Per Game	28.1	28th
Net Point Differential	-194	31st
Third Down Conversion Rate	31.9%	31st
Red Zone Efficiency	42.4%	29th
Total Sacks Allowed	55	29th
Turnover Differential	-6	27th

The -194 net point differential was particularly damning. It suggested that the Titans were not merely losing close contests. They were fundamentally non-competitive in a majority of their matchups.¹² This lack of parity with divisional rivals was clear. It specifically involved the 13-4 Jacksonville Jaguars and the 12-5 Houston Texans. This highlighted the widening gap between the Titans and the elite of the AFC South.¹²

Situational Mismanagement and Operational Chaos

Under Brian Callahan, the Titans suffered from a series of high-profile operational gaffes that signaled a lack of preparation.¹⁴ In a Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos, Callahan lost a halftime lead. He called three consecutive pass plays inside his own 10-yard line with less than a minute remaining. This led to a sack-fumble that set up a Denver touchdown.¹⁷ Furthermore, Callahan failed to challenge a pivotal completion by rookie wideout Elic Ayomanor. In a press conference, he later admitted that he did not fully grasp the NFL’s catch rules. Specifically, he was unclear about elbow-to-ground contact.¹⁴

The “K-Ball” fiasco in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts further illustrated the disarray.¹⁷ A series of clock-management errors caused a delay-of-game penalty during a field goal attempt. The specialized kicking ball was not substituted in time.¹⁷ The blocked field goal that followed showed the “rot” within the team. This was a 10-point swing that Mike Borgonzi and Amy Adams Strunk aimed to remove with the Saleh hire.¹⁴ The culture reached its nadir. Veteran defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons noted that the team had a “terrible week of practice” following their only early-season win. He said the coaching staff could no longer motivate the players. They were also unable to prepare them for the rigors of the NFL schedule.¹⁴

Structural Reorganization: The Borgonzi-Traditionalist Model

Amy Adams Strunk recognized that coaching changes alone would not suffice. She, as the controlling owner, implemented a comprehensive front-office restructure on January 2, 2026.¹⁹ This move aimed to streamline decision-making. It was intended to provide the next head coach with a singular, traditional point of reporting.¹⁸

The Centralization of Roster Authority

Since 2022, the Titans have been characterized by frequent leadership turnover, including the firing of G.M. Jon Robinson, the hiring and firing of G.M. Ran Carthon, and the dismissal of head coach Mike Vrabel.⁴ The new structure empowers General Manager Mike Borgonzi with final say over the 53-man roster. This authority was previously held by President of Football Operations Chad Brinker.¹⁸

Executive	Role in New Structure	Institutional Pedigree
Mike Borgonzi	General Manager; Roster Control; Coaching Search Lead	Kansas City Chiefs 9
Chad Brinker	President of Football Operations; Cap/Analytics	Green Bay Packers 18
Amy Adams Strunk	Controlling Owner; Strategic Oversight	KSA Industries 11

This hierarchy is modeled after the successful structures Borgonzi observed in Kansas City and Brinker observed in Green Bay.¹⁸ The Titans ensured the head coach reports directly to the General Manager. They aimed to create a “straightforward” environment. This approach would attract high-level candidates like Robert Saleh.¹⁸ This organizational stability was a key selling point during the interview process. Saleh’s agent noted that the vision presented by Borgonzi and Strunk was crucial. It was the primary catalyst for his client’s decision to sign.⁷

The Coaching Search: Eighteen Interviews and One Conviction

The search for the 20th head coach was described as “exhaustive.” It involved sixteen candidates in the initial phase. The search eventually expanded to eighteen as the team narrowed its finalists.³ Borgonzi’s search team included Assistant G.M. Dave Ziegler, football advisor Reggie McKenzie, and VP of Player Personnel Dan Saganey.⁵

The Finalist Trifecta

As the process reached its climax on January 19, 2026, three primary candidates emerged:

1. Robert Saleh: Defensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers.
2. Matt Nagy: Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs.
3. Jeff Hafley: Defensive Coordinator, Green Bay Packers.⁸

Matt Nagy was initially the leading candidate. This was due to his deep ties to Borgonzi from their shared tenure in Kansas City.³ However, the search took a dramatic turn when Saleh arrived in Nashville for an in-person interview.² The initial plan was for a virtual meeting. However, the Titans leadership decided to speed things up. They brought Saleh to the facility after Nagy’s interview.²

The “Detailed Plan” for Cam Ward

What separated Saleh from the other candidates was a “detailed plan” regarding the development of quarterback Cam Ward.⁸ Despite his defensive background, Saleh impressed the Titans’ brass with his vision. He aimed to assemble an offensive staff specifically designed to maximize Ward’s unique skill set.⁸ This plan included the recruitment of an experienced “CEO-type” offensive coordinator. It addressed the lack of veteran leadership that plagued Ward’s rookie campaign.⁸ Saleh’s interview “wowed” the group. It swayed the decision in his favour. Borgonzi was convinced that Saleh possessed the requisite “juice”. He believed that Saleh’s inspirational leadership could reset the franchise culture.⁵

Robert Saleh: The Profile of a Redemptive Leader

At 46, Robert Saleh brings a unique combination of head-coaching experience and tactical excellence to the Titans.² He returned to a head-coaching role just one season after being fired by the New York Jets. This speaks to the high regard in which NFL executives and players alike hold him.²

The Lessons of New York (2021–2024)

Saleh’s tenure with the Jets is often unfairly characterized solely by his 20-36 record.¹ In reality, his time in New York was a masterclass in defensive construction undermined by catastrophic quarterback instability.²

Season	Team	Record	Defensive Rank (Yds)	Key Context
2021	NY Jets	4-13	32nd	Year 1 of rebuild 2
2022	NY Jets	7-10	4th	Elite defense established 28
2023	NY Jets	7-10	3rd	Aaron Rodgers injury (Week 1) 2
2024	NY Jets	2-3	2nd	Fired after 5 games 2

Saleh has been candid about his failures in New York. He specifically cited his initial failure to connect with the entire roster beyond the defensive unit.²³ He admitted that it took him a year to realize the importance of connecting with support staff. He needed to engage with offensive players. This was a lesson he applied during his second stint in San Francisco.²³ He identified a major mistake during his time in New York. The choice not to call defensive plays “disconnected him from the game”.²⁸ He has already confirmed that he will call the defensive plays in Tennessee. This ensures his hands-on tactical influence is felt immediately.⁸

The 2025 San Francisco Masterclass

Following his exit from New York, Saleh rejoined Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers as defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.² This season was perhaps his most impressive coaching performance to date. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, defensive anchors, were lost to season-ending injuries. Despite these losses, Saleh’s “next man up” philosophy guided the 49ers. They achieved the 13th-ranked scoring defence and earned a trip to the NFC Divisional Round.² Saleh had an incredible ability to maximize the talent of replacement players. Some observers described them as a “box of scraps”. This convinced the Titans that he could succeed, even if the roster rebuild took time.³⁰

Defensive Architecture: Implementing the Wide-Nine in Nashville

The 4-3 “Wide-Nine” scheme is a hallmark of Robert Saleh’s defensive philosophy. He refined it under the influence of the Shanahan coaching tree.³² The Titans must transition from their traditional 3-4 alignment to Saleh’s penetrating, aggressive 4-3 front. This change will necessitate a significant re-evaluation of the current personnel.¹⁰

The Wide-Nine Explained

The “Wide-Nine” refers to the alignment of the defensive ends. They are positioned exceptionally wide on the line of scrimmage. This is often outside the shoulder of the tight end.³² This positioning creates clear rush lanes and forces offensive tackles into difficult isolated matchups.³³ However, for this scheme to be effective, it needs elite interior defensive linemen. They must dominate the “A” and “B” gaps. This dominance prevents opposing offences from exploiting the spread-out front in the run game.³¹

Player Fits and Personnel Shifts

The Titans are uniquely positioned to transition to this scheme due to the presence of Jeffery Simmons.⁹ Simmons had a career year in 2025 and was a First-Team All-Pro selection. He is a natural “3-technique” defensive tackle. His ability to penetrate and disrupt the pocket is a perfect match for Saleh’s requirements.⁹

Position	Player	2025 Impact	Scheme Role in Saleh’s 4-3
Interior (3-Tech)	Jeffery Simmons	1st Team All-Pro	Primary penetrator/interior disruptor 9
Interior (Nose)	T’Vondre Sweat	Starter	Space-eater; critical for gap integrity 31
LOLB (Wide-9)	Arden Key	6 Sacks	Pure edge rusher; will benefit from wide alignment 34
RILB (Will)	Cedric Gray	115 Tackles	Athletic, sideline-to-sideline playmaker 36
Safety (SS)	Amani Hooker	Starter	Box presence; critical for run support 37

Cedric Gray has emerged as a productive linebacker. This emergence provides Saleh with an athletic “Will” linebacker capable of playing in space. Such a player is a necessity in his defensive framework.³⁶ However, the secondary remains a significant concern. The Titans struggled in 2025 with consistent breakdowns in coverage. Saleh’s scheme places a high premium on cornerbacks who can hold up in man-to-man or “match” zone coverage.²⁷ Revamping the cornerback room, potentially through the 2026 fourth overall draft pick, will likely be a top defensive priority.⁹

The Cam Ward Paradigm: Offence and Quarterback Development

The ultimate success of the Robert Saleh era will not be determined by the defence. It will be shaped by the trajectory of Cam Ward.¹ As the 2025 first overall pick, Ward represents the franchise’s most valuable asset and its greatest risk.²

Cam Ward’s Rookie Campaign: A Statistical Review

Ward’s rookie season was a mixture of record-setting production and alarming vulnerability.⁸ He set the franchise rookie passing record with 3,169 yards. However, he was also the most sacked quarterback in the league. The offensive line failed frequently. In addition, Ward had a rookie tendency to hold the ball while searching for big plays.⁸

Statistic	2025 Value	NFL Context/Ranking
Passing Yards	3,169	Titans Rookie Record 9
Touchdowns	15	Targeted Dike/Helm frequently 8
Interceptions	7	Notable ball security for a rookie 8
Completion %	59.8%	Needs improvement in short-game efficiency 8
Sacks Taken	55	League High (Tie) 8
Passing First Downs	153	Evidence of playmaking capability 8
Success Rate	38.2%	Low; indicates inconsistent drive management 8

Saleh’s “detailed plan” for Ward must address the protection issues and the lack of a consistent intermediate passing game.⁸ Ward faced pressure on 27.8% of his dropbacks, a figure that is unsustainable for a developing quarterback.⁸ Saleh’s strategy involves building an offensive coaching staff. The staff should simplify Ward’s reads. It should also maintain the vertical explosive potential that made him the top pick in 2025.⁸

Assembling the Offensive Staff: The Hunt for a “CEO” Coordinator

The recruitment of an offensive coordinator is one of Saleh’s immediate challenges. This person must function as a “head coach of the offence”.⁸ This hire is crucial. Saleh has a defensive background. His decision to call defensive plays means he will need to delegate significant authority. This authority concerns the other side of the ball.⁸

The Brian Daboll Connection

Brian Daboll is the most prominent name linked to the Titans’ offensive coordinator opening. He is the former head coach of the New York Giants. Daboll is also the architect of Josh Allen’s development in Buffalo.⁸ Daboll was fired by the Giants in November 2025. He is widely considered a “quarterback whisperer.” His experience could be transformative for Ward.⁴⁰

Candidate	Status	Notable Accomplishment
Brian Daboll	Top Target	Developed Josh Allen into an MVP candidate 8
Kliff Kingsbury	In Mix	Guided Jayden Daniels to record rookie success in 2024 8
Arthur Smith	Potential Fit	Former Titans OC; intimate knowledge of organization 8
Mike LaFleur	Longshot	Existing chemistry with Saleh; currently in LA 8

Daboll “likes what he sees” in Tennessee. Reports indicate that Daboll specifically appreciates the prospect of working with a talent like Ward. The team’s massive salary-cap resources add to the appeal.⁴⁰ The Titans face competition from the Buffalo Bills. The Bills recently fired Sean McDermott. They are considering Daboll for their head-coaching vacancy.⁴³ If the Titans are unable to secure Daboll, they may turn to Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury’s “Air Raid” influence could provide Ward with the spacing and quick-read options he utilized at Miami and Washington State.⁸

The Mike McDaniel Ripple Effect

The offensive coordinator search took a hit on January 20, 2026. The announcement was made that former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel would be joining the Los Angeles Chargers. McDaniel is a close friend of Saleh. He will serve as their offensive coordinator.⁸ McDaniel had been a “dream hire” for many Titans fans. However, his decision to go to LA increases the pressure on Saleh. Saleh needs to land a veteran name like Daboll or Smith. This is necessary to ensure the offence does not become an afterthought.⁴¹

Roster Construction and the 2026 Offseason Blueprint

Robert Saleh and Mike Borgonzi inherit a roster. It is top-heavy with elite talent. However, it is incredibly shallow in terms of depth.³⁶ The Titans enter the 2026 offseason with two primary advantages. They have approximately $100 million in salary cap space. They also have the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft.⁷

The Brandon Aiyuk Hypothesis

With Saleh’s arrival, speculation has intensified regarding a potential blockbuster trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.³⁵ Aiyuk suffered a significant knee injury in 2024. He has a fractured relationship with the 49ers front office. He would represent the “easy button” for Cam Ward’s development.³⁵ He is familiar with Saleh’s culture. His elite route-running ability could offer the Titans the true “X” receiver. This is something they have lacked since the trade of A.J. Brown.³⁵

Building the Trench

Despite the focus on playmakers, the Titans must address an offensive line that allowed 55 sacks in 2025.⁸ Peter Skoronski and JC Latham are viewed as building blocks. However, the team needs consistent play at center. They also need it at left tackle.³⁴ Lloyd Cushenberry and Kevin Zeitler provide veteran presence. However, success in 2026 for the unit will depend on offensive line coaching. This role was previously held by Bill Callahan.¹⁰

Position Group	2026 Status	Key Need
Quarterback	Stable	Developmental coaching for Cam Ward 8
Running Back	Deep	Tyjae Spears/Tony Pollard tandem 34
Wide Receiver	Needs Help	A true #1 target to complement Ridley/Dike 34
Defensive Line	Elite	Rotation pieces to support Simmons/Sweat 22
Secondary	Critical	Starting cornerbacks and a rangy free safety 30

Infrastructure and the “2027 Sprint”

The hire of Robert Saleh is inextricably linked to the franchise’s move to a new enclosed stadium in 2027.⁷ Ownership is highly motivated to end the current four-year playoff drought before the facility opens.² The “2027 Sprint” highlights why the hiring process is urgent. It also shows the willingness to provide Saleh with a five-year contract.²

The Role of Ownership: Amy Adams Strunk’s Vision

Amy Adams Strunk has shown a willingness to be aggressive. Her tenure has also been marked by a search for “culture” and “presence”.⁷ She was reportedly swayed by Saleh’s “juice” and his ability to inspire a building.²⁴ This shows a desire to leave behind the perceived stoicism of Brian Callahan. The goal is to find a leader who can unify the fanbase and the locker room. This is especially important during a difficult rebuilding phase.⁴⁷ Saleh’s agents noted that the vision presented by Strunk was a key differentiator in his decision-making process.⁷

Media and Stakeholder Reaction: Cautious Optimism in Nashville

The reaction to the Saleh hire in the Nashville media market has been a mix of excitement and data-driven skepticism.⁴⁷ Local analysts have balanced Saleh’s history of defensive brilliance with his lacklustre win-loss record in New York.⁴⁷

The “Leader of Men” Narrative

Joe Rexrode and Paul Kuharsky are analysts who have highlighted Saleh as a “leader of men.” Saleh can provide the cultural reset that Borgonzi prioritized.⁴⁹ Among those who follow the team closely, consensus exists that the Jets’ 20-36 record is a red flag. However, the organizational context in New York was uniquely difficult.²⁸ The Titans are betting that Saleh is a better coach for having gone through the New York gauntlet. Former 49ers players echo this sentiment and continue to speak of him in glowing terms.⁹

The Contrarian View: Defensive Bias

National analysts have expressed concerns about the pairing of a defensive-minded coach with a young quarterback like Ward. Analysts like Emmanuel Acho have pointed this out.³⁹ Defensive coaches often struggle to understand the nuances of quarterback development. If the Titans “miss” on the offensive coordinator hire, Ward’s career could be permanently stunted.³⁹ This situation places immense pressure on Mike Borgonzi. He must ensure that Saleh has the necessary resources. Additionally, Saleh requires the right candidates to build a top-tier offensive staff.³⁹

The Strategic Forecast: Benchmarks for the 2026 Season

For Robert Saleh’s first year to be considered a success, several key benchmarks must be met. This holds true regardless of the final win-loss record.³⁰

1. Cam Ward’s Efficiency: A significant increase in Ward’s success rate and a reduction in sacks taken.⁸
2. Defensive Identity: The successful implementation of the 4-3 Wide-Nine, resulting in a top-15 ranking in yards per carry allowed.²⁷
3. Situational Discipline: An end to the avoidable operational errors (challenges, clock management, substitutions) that defined 2025.¹⁴
4. Cultural Buy-in: Evidence of locker-room cohesion, particularly among veteran leaders like Jeffery Simmons and L’Jarius Sneed.⁹

Strategic Implications of the Five-Year Deal

The decision to give Saleh a five-year contract indicates that Borgonzi and Strunk have a patient strategy. They are committed to a strategic plan.¹⁴ This approach differs from the typical one-year-and-done strategy. Recent coordinator roles showed this pattern. The mid-season firing of Callahan is another example.¹⁴ Saleh’s contract is designed to outlast the initial roster purge. It provides a stable foundation. This stability supports the team as it transitions into its new era.⁷

The Defensive Play-calling Mandate

One of the most significant changes for Saleh in Nashville will be his return to play-calling.⁸ In New York, he gave this duty to Jeff Ulbrich. He later felt that this led to a “disconnection” from the flow of the game.²⁸ By reclaiming the headset, Saleh is effectively betting on himself as the premier defensive mind in the league.²⁸ This decision ensures that the defence will always have a high baseline of performance. This allows the offensive staff to focus entirely on Ward’s growth.²⁷

Conclusion: A Foundation for Resurgence

The Tennessee Titans have completed an exhaustive search. They have found a leader who embodies the “juice” and tactical excellence needed. This leader is required to stabilize a listing franchise.³ Robert Saleh’s appointment is more than a coaching hire. It is an organizational reset. This reset synchronizes the team’s front-office structure. It also aligns its financial resources and its generational quarterback prospect.⁷ Although the ghosts of his Jets tenure will inevitably follow him to Nashville, his growth is evident. Saleh’s 2025 performance in San Francisco demonstrates this. His detailed plan for Cam Ward suggests a coach who has learned from his past. He is ready to capitalize on a second chance.²³ The Titans have $100 million in cap space. They also have the fourth overall pick. These tools are in place for a rapid turnaround.⁷ If Saleh can replicate the defensive menace he built in San Francisco, the Titans could change quickly. They might transform from the AFC South’s cellar-dwellers. This would happen if he also secures an offensive architect like Brian Daboll. By the time the new stadium doors open in 2027, they could become a perennial contender.⁷

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