Titans Add Aaron Whitecotton as DL Coach, Continue Search for Coordinators on Both Sides of the Ball
The Titans’ coaching staff continues to take shape under Robert Saleh, and the latest addition brings a familiar face into the fold. Aaron Whitecotton is heading to Nashville as the team’s new defensive line coach after getting out of his contract with the Cowboys. He’ll now be tasked with working closely with star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and helping elevate Tennessee’s front into one of the more disruptive units in the league.
Whitecotton’s connection to Saleh runs deep. The two have worked together in Jacksonville and San Francisco, and Saleh previously brought him onto his Jets staff as the defensive line coach. That familiarity and trust clearly played a role in this move, especially as Saleh builds a staff that aligns with his defensive vision.
Whitecotton spent last season coaching the Cowboys’ defensive line, part of a staff that also included linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi-brother of Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi. He interviewed for the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator role this offseason, but that job ultimately went to Christian Parker. Now, he brings his experience and strong coaching pedigree to a Titans defensive front anchored by Simmons.
While Whitecotton is locked in, the Titans still haven’t named a defensive coordinator. Saleh is expected to call the plays himself, but the team is continuing to evaluate candidates for the coordinator title. Among those in the mix: Al Harris, Dino Vasso, and Mike Rutenberg.
Harris, currently the Packers’ defensive backs coach, had discussions with Green Bay about filling the DC vacancy left by Jeff Hafley before the team hired Jonathan Gannon. He’s also drawn interest from the Commanders. Vasso, who coaches defensive backs for the Texans, comes with strong endorsements from respected defensive minds like Jim Schwartz and Texans coordinator Matt Burke.
Both Harris and Vasso fulfill the Titans’ Rooney Rule requirement to interview at least two minority candidates for the defensive coordinator position.
Rutenberg, meanwhile, has a long-standing connection to Saleh. He served as Saleh’s linebackers coach with the Jets and was most recently Atlanta’s defensive run-game coordinator in 2025. His familiarity with the system and Saleh’s philosophy makes him a natural candidate for a larger role.
Whitecotton becomes the second defensive assistant from Saleh’s Jets staff to make the move to Tennessee. Cornerbacks coach Tony Oden is staying on in the same role, bringing continuity to the secondary.
On the offensive side, Saleh has retained tight ends coach Luke Stocker and running backs coach Randy Jordan, but the offensive coordinator position remains unfilled. Brian Daboll is widely considered the frontrunner, though Kliff Kingsbury, Adam Stenavich, and Thad Lewis were all scheduled for interviews on Monday.
Lewis will fulfill the team’s Rooney Rule obligation for offensive coordinator interviews, and an additional minority candidate has already interviewed, though their identity has not been disclosed.
As the Titans continue to finalize their coaching staff, the pieces are starting to fall into place. Saleh is clearly leaning on familiarity and proven relationships, while also casting a wide net to bring in fresh voices. With Whitecotton now in the fold and key coordinator decisions still to come, Tennessee’s coaching picture is coming into sharper focus-one that blends continuity, experience, and a clear defensive identity.