The Tennessee Titans are deep into their search for a new defensive coordinator, and four names have emerged as serious contenders. But here’s the twist - whoever gets the job won’t be calling plays.
That responsibility will stay with new head coach Robert Saleh, who’s bringing his defensive expertise to the sideline headset. So this hire is more about leadership, development, and cohesion - not play-by-play strategy.
What’s interesting is how the candidate pool breaks down. Two of the coaches have a strong history with Saleh, while the other two have ties to Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi.
That’s not just a coincidence - it’s a clear sign that familiarity and trust are driving this process. And with the Rooney Rule requirements already met, Saleh and the Titans can make a hire as soon as they’re ready.
Let’s take a closer look at the four candidates reportedly in the mix - and what each would bring to Tennessee.
Al Harris - The Rising Star With a Track Record
Al Harris is currently the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator for the Chicago Bears, and he’s got momentum behind his name. This season, he helped guide former Titans safety Kevin Byard to an NFL-best mark in interceptions - a testament to Harris’ ability to elevate talent on the back end. Around the league, Harris is viewed as a coach on the rise, and he’s already interviewed for defensive coordinator roles with both the Packers and Cowboys.
Though he didn’t land either of those jobs, his stock continues to climb. Harris also has history with Borgonzi from their time together in Kansas City, which adds another layer of comfort for the Titans front office. If Tennessee is looking for a coach who can develop defensive backs and energize the secondary, Harris checks a lot of boxes.
Dino Vasso - The DB Developer With a Strong Coaching Tree
At just 38 years old, Dino Vasso has already built a strong résumé as the defensive backs coach for the Houston Texans. He’s played a key role in developing a young and talented secondary, including standouts like Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre, Calen Bullock, and Kamari Lassiter. That’s an impressive group, and Vasso’s fingerprints are all over their growth.
His coaching lineage is just as notable. He’s worked under Jim Schwartz, Matt Burke, and DeMeco Ryans - three respected defensive minds in the league.
And like Harris, Vasso has a connection to Borgonzi, having worked with him in Kansas City from 2013 to 2015. Hiring Vasso would not only bring in a promising coach, but also take a valuable piece off the Texans’ staff - a potential two-for-one win for Tennessee.
Mike Rutenberg - The Familiar Face With Saleh Ties
Mike Rutenberg is currently the defensive passing game coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, but his real edge in this search is his longstanding connection to Robert Saleh. The two have worked together at three different stops - Jacksonville, San Francisco, and the New York Jets - and that kind of continuity matters. Saleh knows exactly what he’d be getting in Rutenberg: a coach who understands his system, his expectations, and his vision for a defense.
Rutenberg also works under Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who was Saleh’s DC during their time with the Jets. That shared defensive DNA could make for a seamless transition in Tennessee. If Saleh is looking for someone who can execute his philosophy without missing a beat, Rutenberg is a strong candidate.
Aaron Whitecotton - Another Saleh Disciple in the Mix
Aaron Whitecotton was the first name linked to the Titans’ DC search, and like Rutenberg, he’s a familiar face to Robert Saleh. The two have worked together in Jacksonville, San Francisco, and New York, giving Whitecotton a deep understanding of Saleh’s defensive principles. Currently on the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff, Whitecotton also shares a connection to the Borgonzi family - he works alongside Dave Borgonzi, Mike’s brother and the Cowboys’ linebackers coach.
That kind of overlap - familiarity with both the head coach and the front office - makes Whitecotton a logical fit. He may not have the same buzz as some of the other candidates, but his experience within Saleh’s system could be a major asset in a non-play-calling coordinator role.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t your typical defensive coordinator hire. With Robert Saleh calling the plays, the Titans are looking for someone who can lead, teach, and reinforce the defensive identity Saleh wants to build. All four candidates bring something unique to the table - whether it’s player development, schematic familiarity, or trusted relationships with key decision-makers.
The Titans have done their homework and cleared the procedural hurdles. Now it’s just a matter of choosing the right fit to help shape the next chapter of Tennessee’s defense.