The Tennessee Titans made it official on Thursday: Robert Saleh is the new head coach. And true to form, Saleh wasted no time getting to work, beginning to shape a staff that reflects both continuity and his own coaching DNA.
One of the first moves? Keeping special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel in the fold.
That decision doesn’t come as a shock - Fassel played a major role in the Titans’ special teams turnaround in 2025. Whether it was improved coverage units or more consistent kicking, the group showed real progress last season, and Saleh clearly values that stability as he begins his tenure in Tennessee.
Alongside Fassel, a few other names will stick around - at least for now. Tight ends coach Luke Stocker, running backs coach Randy Jordan, and cornerbacks coach Tony Oden are all expected to join Saleh’s staff.
Stocker, in particular, has been generating buzz. His work with the Titans’ tight ends last season didn’t go unnoticed, and his retention suggests the new regime sees potential in what he’s building.
Oden, meanwhile, brings familiarity to the table. He and Saleh have a shared history, having worked together with both the Jets and 49ers. That kind of connection often matters when a new head coach is assembling a staff - trust and shared philosophy can go a long way in a league where cohesion is everything.
But not everyone from the 2025 staff will be part of this new chapter. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz, defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, and defensive assistant Lori Locust were among the first to be let go.
And more changes are likely on the horizon. Social media chatter suggests that several other coaches - including quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree - could also be out in the coming days.
This is the early stage of a full staff overhaul, and it’s clear that Saleh is looking to build something that fits his vision from the ground up. That vision will come into sharper focus soon - the Titans have scheduled an introductory press conference for Wednesday, and by then, most of the coaching staff should be in place.
For now, the message is clear: Saleh is moving quickly, balancing familiarity with fresh direction. The Titans are turning the page, and the next chapter is already being written.