The Titans’ coaching search just took a major turn - and not the one fans in Nashville were hoping for.
According to multiple reports, John Harbaugh is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the New York Giants. That development effectively ends any hope that Tennessee had of landing the longtime Ravens leader. The Titans had a meeting scheduled with Harbaugh at his home, but that’s now off the table, per Albert Breer.
So, was Tennessee ever truly in the running? That’s tough to say. What we do know is that Harbaugh appears to see more immediate potential in New York - and it's not hard to understand why.
This isn’t about Jaxson Dart versus Cam Ward. It’s about the total package.
The Giants have more proven talent across the board, and with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they’re positioned to get even better - fast. For a veteran coach like Harbaugh, who’s used to competing deep into January, the Giants offer a quicker path back to contention.
That matters.
In some ways, this situation echoes the Titans’ pursuit of Peyton Manning back in 2012. The fit made sense on paper, and there were plenty of reasons to believe Tennessee could be a landing spot. But sometimes, no matter how logical it looks from the outside, the stars just don’t align.
Now, the Titans shift back to a coaching search that’s already been one of the league’s most extensive. Nearly 20 candidates have either been interviewed or are scheduled to meet with the team. That list includes rising coordinators, former head coaches, and a few intriguing wild cards.
The search continues - and while Harbaugh won’t be walking through the door, the Titans still have plenty of options to find the right leader for their next chapter.