Titans Narrow Head Coaching Search: Stefanski, Nagy, Hafley Among Finalists
NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Titans are moving into the second phase of their head coaching search, and three names have emerged as finalists: Kevin Stefanski, Matt Nagy, and Jeff Hafley. All three are being brought back for second interviews, signaling that the Titans are zeroing in on their next leader - but the door isn’t closed just yet.
The search, led by GM Mike Borgonzi and a four-person committee, has been extensive. While the initial plan was to keep the finalist pool to five or fewer, that number could still shift depending on how the final first-round interviews play out this weekend.
Stefanski is scheduled to visit Nashville on Sunday for his second interview, but there’s a wrinkle - he’s in Atlanta on Saturday and could be hired by the Falcons before he ever sets foot in Tennessee. If that happens, expect the Titans to pivot and possibly expand their finalist list.
The Titans cast a wide net in the first round, interviewing 16 candidates. That group included a mix of experienced NFL head coaches, rising coordinators, and one internal option.
Alongside Stefanski, Nagy, and Hafley, the Titans also met with Mike McCarthy, Jonathan Gannon, and Robert Saleh - all of whom are still in the mix with interviews scheduled this weekend. McCarthy and Gannon are set for in-person meetings on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, while Saleh will speak with the team via Zoom on Sunday evening.
Other names from the first round included Mike McDaniel, Vance Joseph, Raheem Morris, Arthur Smith, Brian Daboll, Jason Garrett, and interim head coach Mike McCoy. Defensive minds like Steve Spagnuolo, Lou Anarumo, and Jesse Minter also got a look. The Titans had interest in Kliff Kingsbury and Chris Shula, but those interviews never materialized.
There was even a plan to travel to Owings Mills, Maryland, to meet with John Harbaugh. That meeting never happened - Harbaugh reached a deal with the Giants before the Titans could make their pitch.
This search comes after a turbulent 2025 season that saw Brian Callahan dismissed just six games into his tenure. McCoy stepped in as interim coach to finish out the year.
Now, it’s up to Borgonzi - with ownership approval from Amy Adams Strunk - to find the right voice to lead the Titans forward. While Strunk wasn’t involved in the first round of interviews, she’ll be hands-on during the second phase.
The Titans are clearly being deliberate, casting a wide net and doing their homework. With second interviews underway and more names potentially entering the mix, the next few days could be pivotal in shaping the franchise’s future.