Titans Set to Break New Ground with Dedicated Nickel Coach
In a league where specialization is becoming the name of the game, the Tennessee Titans are about to take that concept to the next level. Under the direction of defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh, the Titans are adding a new layer to their defensive staff: a dedicated nickel coach.
Yes, you read that right. For the first time in franchise history, Tennessee will have three separate coaches overseeing the secondary - one for cornerbacks, one for safeties (still to be named), and now, one specifically focused on the nickel position. It’s a clear signal that the Titans are doubling down on adapting to the modern NFL, where offenses are throwing more looks out of the slot than ever before.
Let’s break this down.
Why a Nickel Coach Matters
The nickelback isn’t just a third corner anymore - he’s often the most versatile defender on the field. Whether it’s lining up against shifty slot receivers, matching up with pass-catching tight ends, or stepping into run support, today’s nickel has to be part corner, part linebacker, and part safety. It’s one of the most demanding roles in football, and the Titans are acknowledging that by giving the position its own coach.
This move puts Tennessee in a small but growing group of teams that have already embraced this kind of specialization. The Bears, for example, have Cannon Matthews listed as their defensive assistant/nickels coach.
The Cowboys have Darian Thompson in a similar role. And while the Eagles used Ronell Williams as a nickel coach in 2023, he later transitioned to assistant linebackers and quality control.
The Titans now join that trend, and it’s not just a cosmetic change - it’s a strategic shift.
A Changing Secondary
Tennessee’s secondary is already in transition. The team traded nickelback Roger McCreary and a sixth-round pick to the Rams in exchange for a sixth-round pick, opening the door for rookie Marcus Harris to step in. Harris held down the nickel spot for most of the remainder of the season and is one of the few cornerbacks under contract heading into 2026.
That makes the timing of this coaching move all the more significant. With Harris still developing and the nickel role as critical as ever, having a coach dedicated to refining his technique, reads, and responsibilities could be a game-changer.
A Look Back - and Forward
This isn’t the first time the Titans have expanded their secondary coaching structure. In 2020, they took a step in this direction by hiring two full-time assistants for the back end: Anthony Midget as secondary coach and Scott Booker, who was promoted from defensive assistant to safeties coach. Before that, Kerry Combs had led the secondary before heading back to Ohio State to become the defensive coordinator.
But this new move takes things even further. It’s a reflection of how much the game has evolved - and how seriously the Titans are taking that evolution.
Robert Saleh has long been known for his defensive acumen, and this hire fits right into his philosophy. It’s about maximizing every role on the field, especially in a league where offenses are constantly looking for mismatches. By investing in a coach who can sharpen the play of the nickel defender, Tennessee is trying to stay one step ahead of the chess match.
Bottom Line
The Titans’ decision to hire a dedicated nickel coach isn’t just about filling out a staff - it’s about adapting to the realities of today’s NFL. With offenses spreading the field and targeting the middle more than ever, the nickelback has become a cornerstone of modern defense.
Now, Tennessee is giving that position the attention it deserves. And in a league where the smallest adjustments can make the biggest difference, this could be one of the more quietly impactful moves of the offseason.