Titans Near Finalizing Deal to Appoint Saleh as Head Coach
The Tennessee Titans are close to completing a deal to appoint Robert Saleh as their new head coach. This decision comes after a thorough evaluation process involving several candidates.
Titans Move Forward with Saleh as Head Coach
Sources indicate that Robert Saleh, recently the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, has impressed the Titans’ management during his visit. He spent time in Nashville for an in-person meeting, solidifying his candidacy after a virtual interview was initially planned.
Interview Process and Candidate Selection
- Saleh interviewed on Monday, impressing Titans’ management.
- Matt Nagy, the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, also interviewed the same day.
- Saleh is expected to be the 20th head coach in Titans/Oilers franchise history.
Since moving to Nashville in 1997, Saleh will be the seventh head coach for the Titans. This follows the firing of Brian Callahan in mid-October, a period during which the Titans finished with a disappointing 3-14 record. Saleh’s task will be to rebuild a team centered around a promising young quarterback, Cam Ward, who was the first overall pick last year.
Saleh’s Coaching Background
Previously, Saleh served as the head coach for the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024, where he compiled a record of 20-36. His tenure included a trade for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a significant injury during the 2023 season opener. Despite his efforts, the Jets concluded that season with a record of 7-10, leading to his dismissal after just five games in the following season.
Before his role with the Jets, Saleh built a reputation as a formidable defensive coordinator with the 49ers, highlighted by a Super Bowl appearance post-2020 season. His experiences in New York taught him valuable lessons about connecting with players, a quality that the Titans’ general manager, Mike Borgonzi, emphasized is crucial for the next head coach.
Challenges Ahead for the Titans
The Titans have been absent from the playoffs since 2021. In that year, they finished as the AFC’s top seed but were eliminated by the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round. Moving forward, Saleh’s immediate goal will be to identify an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach to support Cam Ward’s development, particularly as the team struggled offensively this past season, averaging just 16.7 points per game.
As the Titans prepare for significant changes, including a new stadium set to open in 2027, appointing Saleh marks a pivotal step toward revitalizing the franchise.
