The Tennessee Titans are in the thick of transition mode, and things are moving quickly-just not always on schedule. Robert Saleh’s introductory press conference, originally slated for Wednesday, has been pushed to Thursday at 2 p.m.
CT due to some logistical hurdles on his end. By the time he steps to the podium, there’s hope we’ll have clarity on a key piece of his staff: the offensive coordinator.
That OC hire is shaping up to be the most pivotal decision of Saleh’s early tenure in Nashville. While he’ll be handling defensive play-calling duties himself-a move that makes his defensive coordinator hire a little less critical-the offensive side of the ball is where this team needs a clear identity and strong leadership.
The Titans aren’t wasting time. They reportedly held three offensive coordinator interviews yesterday, and each candidate brings a different flavor to the table.
Kliff Kingsbury, fresh off a stint with the Washington Commanders, is known for his Air Raid roots and quarterback-friendly approach. Adam Stenavich, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator, comes from a system built on balance and efficiency, especially in the run game.
Then there’s Thad Lewis, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterbacks coach, a rising name in coaching circles who’s earned praise for his work with signal-callers and offensive development.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side, the Titans made their first official addition to Saleh’s staff, bringing in Aaron Whitecotton as run game coordinator and defensive line coach. That’s a big get.
Whitecotton has a strong reputation in league circles, particularly for his work with Quinnen Williams, who credits him with helping take his game from solid to All-Pro. That kind of development track record is exactly what Tennessee needs up front.
The defensive coordinator search is still ongoing, but with Saleh calling the shots on Sundays, the hire will likely be someone who aligns with his philosophy and can manage the day-to-day operations of the unit. Among those reportedly interviewed: Al Harris (Bears defensive backs coach), Dino Vasso (Texans defensive backs coach), and Mike Rutenberg (Falcons defensive passing game coordinator). There are notable connections here-Harris and Vasso have ties to Titans GM Mike Borgonzi, while Rutenberg has worked with Saleh before, making him a familiar and trusted presence.
While the Titans are building out their staff, the broader NFL coaching carousel is still spinning. Four head coaching jobs remain open: the Bills, Raiders, Cardinals, and Browns.
Brian Daboll is reportedly in the mix for both Buffalo and Las Vegas, which could be why Tennessee’s waiting to see how that plays out before finalizing their OC hire. The Cardinals appear to be closing in on Mike LaFleur, and in Cleveland, the search has been chaotic-but it’s reportedly down to Jim Schwartz and Nathan Steelhaase.
So while there’s still plenty to be sorted out, the Titans are laying the groundwork for what could be a new era under Saleh. Thursday’s press conference should offer more answers-but for now, the pieces are beginning to fall into place.