Robert Saleh Takes the Helm in Tennessee: A Fresh Start and a Familiar Face
Robert Saleh is back in the head coaching seat, this time in Nashville, where he’ll lead the Tennessee Titans into a new chapter. The former Jets head coach has been tapped to replace Brian Callahan, who was let go just six games into the 2025 season. For Saleh, it’s a second chance to show he can build a winner-only now, he’ll be doing it in the AFC South, not the AFC East.
The hire has sparked some debate. On one side, there are critics pointing to Saleh’s 20-games-under-.500 record during his time with the Jets. On the other, there are believers-like former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason-who see potential in the pairing of Saleh with his new offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll.
Let’s break it down.
A Defensive Mind with a New Offensive Vision
Saleh’s calling card has always been defense. His work as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator helped launch him into the head coaching ranks in the first place.
But in today’s NFL, defense alone doesn’t cut it-you need a plan for the quarterback position. That’s where Brian Daboll comes in.
Saleh wasted no time after landing the Titans job, bringing in Daboll just days later to run the offense. And it’s not just a name hire. Saleh believes Daboll is the right guy to develop rookie quarterback Cam Ward into a legitimate franchise cornerstone.
“[Daboll] has had a history of developing young quarterbacks in this league and college, and the different stops that he's had,” Saleh said. “He has a tremendous amount of experience with tremendous quarterbacks all over.”
That track record includes helping mold Josh Allen in Buffalo-an example that’s sure to be at the front of Titans fans’ minds. Saleh, who’s coached against Daboll in the past, knows exactly how difficult his schemes can be to stop.
“He's always going to strain you with both run and pass,” Saleh explained. “He's going to find the run-pass conflicts within your scheme.
Then he's going to attack the s--- out of it. He's special in that regard.
He's a problem.”
Why the Titans Needed a Shake-Up
Let’s be honest-Tennessee’s offense last season was tough to watch. They ranked 30th in passing yards (166.1 per game), 30th in rushing yards (93.5 per game), and 30th in points scored (16.7 per game).
Total offense? Even worse-31st in the league with just 259.6 yards per game.
That’s not just a slump. That’s a system in need of a complete overhaul.
Enter Saleh and Daboll, who now have the tall task of turning those numbers around. The good news? They’ve got a young quarterback in Cam Ward who brings raw talent and mobility, and now he’ll be learning under a coach who knows how to unlock those traits.
High Stakes, But a Chance for Redemption
For Saleh, this isn’t just another coaching gig-it’s a shot at redemption. His tenure with the Jets didn’t go as planned, but it’s also fair to say the situation in New York wasn’t exactly easy. The Titans offer a fresh start, a clean slate, and a front office that’s clearly willing to give him the tools he needs to succeed.
And while some may call this the “worst hire” of the offseason, the reality is that coaching hires can’t be judged in January-they’re judged in December, when playoff berths are on the line.
If Saleh can bring his defensive identity to Tennessee while Daboll jumpstarts the offense and develops Ward, this could be a very different Titans team in 2026.
The pieces are in place. Now it's time to see if Saleh can finally put the puzzle together.