The coaching carousel continues to spin this offseason, and after some speculation surrounding the Tennessee Titans’ defensive coordinator vacancy, we finally have clarity. Veteran NFL assistant Gus Bradley is heading to Nashville, reuniting with Robert Saleh and bringing decades of experience to a Titans defense that’s in need of leadership and identity.
Bradley’s hiring comes after a brief flirtation with Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Saleh, who has a long history with Rutenberg dating back to their days in Jacksonville, New York, and San Francisco, initially eyed him for the Titans’ DC job. But timing and opportunity shifted the landscape.
Once Raheem Morris accepted the defensive coordinator position with the 49ers, it opened the door for Bradley’s availability - and Saleh didn’t hesitate. The two worked together in Jacksonville, and while Bradley has since led defenses in Seattle, Los Angeles (Chargers), Las Vegas, and Indianapolis, he spent last season as assistant head coach in San Francisco. That blend of familiarity and experience ultimately tipped the scales.
Saleh has made it clear he wants veteran leadership on both sides of the ball in Tennessee. He already brought in a seasoned offensive coordinator, and now with Bradley onboard, the Titans have a pair of proven minds to help steer the ship as they navigate a pivotal stretch in their rebuild.
As for Rutenberg, this development likely increases the odds that he remains in Atlanta - at least for now. He's still under contract with the Falcons and remains listed on the team website.
While Saleh could still make a push to bring his former colleague to Tennessee in another capacity, the DC title is off the table. That could be enough to keep Rutenberg in-house, especially if Atlanta sweetens the pot with a promotion - possibly an assistant head coach title - now that Jerry Gray’s contract has expired.
Rutenberg’s resume speaks for itself. He’s earned respect across the league for his work with defensive backs, and his impact in Atlanta was significant, especially considering the state of the Falcons’ secondary this past season. Injuries ravaged the DB room, yet the unit still showed flashes under his guidance.
Of course, Stefanski and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich would love to retain him. Continuity matters, especially with a young defense, and Rutenberg’s familiarity with the scheme and personnel could be crucial heading into next season. But until Saleh finalizes his Tennessee staff, there’s still a chance he tries to lure Rutenberg for another reunion - even if it’s not with a coordinator title attached.
Adding another wrinkle: Mike LaFleur, who also worked with Rutenberg and Saleh in New York, is now in the mix for the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator job. That connection could open another door for Rutenberg, depending on how things shake out.
For now, though, Gus Bradley is the man in Tennessee. Saleh gets a trusted voice and a battle-tested coach to help shape a Titans defense that’s been inconsistent in recent years. And in Atlanta, Stefanski and Ulbrich can breathe a little easier - at least temporarily - knowing they still have a shot at keeping one of their top defensive minds in the building.