Get ready for a seismic shift in the NFL! The Tennessee Titans are making a bold move, entrusting their future to a coach with a past that's both promising and controversial. They're reportedly finalizing a deal to bring in Robert Saleh, the San Francisco 49ers' defensive mastermind, as their new head coach.
But here's where it gets controversial... Saleh, at 46, isn't exactly a fresh face on the coaching carousel. He previously steered the New York Jets from 2021 until he was let go midway through the 2024 season. His record with the Jets? A less-than-stellar 20 wins and 36 losses, with no playoff appearances to show for it. Many fans were relieved when he was fired. He then spent a portion of 2024 as an offensive consultant for the Green Bay Packers before returning to San Francisco in 2025 for a second stint as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. So, why are the Titans taking a chance on someone who struggled to find success in New York?
According to sources at The Athletic, the Titans moved quickly. They originally planned a virtual interview with Saleh on Sunday night, but then upgraded it to an in-person meeting on Monday. This shows how serious they were about him, especially considering they also had in-person interviews lined up with other top coaching candidates. Jeff Hafley, the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator, was also on their list, but he ended up being snatched up by the Miami Dolphins earlier on Monday. And they had interest in Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as well.
The move to hire Saleh caps off a whirlwind couple of weeks for Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi and president of football operations Chad Brinker. They cast a wide net, requesting interviews with a ton of potential head coaches. We're talking about everyone from seasoned veterans like former head coaches Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy to rising star coordinators like Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The Titans even tried to snag John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski, two highly respected coaches from the AFC North. However, the Giants and Falcons acted faster, luring them away before the Titans even had a chance to meet with them in person. That's how competitive the head coaching market is right now!
And this is the part most people miss... Despite facing significant challenges, like losing key defensive players such as pass rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner for a large part of the 2025 season, Saleh's 49ers defense still managed to hold their own. They allowed an average of 21.8 points per game, ranking them 13th in the NFL. That's a testament to Saleh's coaching ability and his ability to adapt, even when things get tough. San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan even anticipated Saleh's departure, saying after the team's playoff win against the Philadelphia Eagles that it was only a matter of time before he became a head coach again, highlighting Saleh's talent.
Saleh is walking into a situation with the Titans that requires a rebuild. He's had to navigate difficult situations before, including the Jets' dysfunction and the 49ers' injuries. He's now inheriting a Titans team that's trying to move on from a difficult ending with Mike Vrabel, who, despite leading the team to three playoff appearances and a conference championship game appearance in 2019, was let go in 2023.
The Titans desperately need a defensive turnaround after ranking among the league's worst in points allowed in 2025. Saleh's coaching staff choices will be crucial, as the team looks to build on the potential shown by quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward ended the season on a high note, throwing for two touchdowns in each of his final four full games. The Titans also have a huge advantage heading into the 2026 offseason: over $100 million in cap space, the most in the league according to Spotrac, and the No. 4 pick in the draft. They have every opportunity to build a winning team.
Saleh is poised to become the 20th head coach in Titans history and the sixth since the team moved from Houston. He's replacing Brian Callahan, who was fired in October. The Titans haven't been to the playoffs since 2021 and haven't reached the Super Bowl since that heartbreaking loss to the St. Louis Rams in 1999. Can Saleh bring them back to the promised land?
So, what do you think? Is Robert Saleh the right guy to lead the Titans back to glory? Or is his past performance with the Jets a cause for concern? Will his defensive expertise be enough to turn around a struggling Titans team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
