Wherever Robert Saleh goes, defense travels with him-and in Tennessee, that reputation is already taking shape.
Saleh, known for building tough, disciplined, and high-performing defenses, is now tasked with reshaping the Titans’ identity. But being a head coach means he can’t live in the defensive meeting room 24/7.
He’ll still call the plays and shape the overall scheme, but the day-to-day, down-to-down adjustments? That’s where his staff comes in-and he’s already started building that foundation.
On Monday, the Titans took a significant step by hiring Aaron Whitecotton as their new defensive line coach. For those who’ve followed Saleh’s coaching tree, Whitecotton’s name should ring a bell. He played a pivotal role in the development of Quinnen Williams, who credits Whitecotton for elevating his game to an All-Pro level.
“I think anyone can look at the resume,” Williams once said. “Before I had Whitecotton I was ascending to be a good DT. When [he] came into my life I became an All-Pro - a Pro Bowler.”
That’s not just praise-it’s a powerful endorsement from one of the league’s top interior defenders. And it’s not just Williams.
Whitecotton has also helped mold and maximize the talents of players like Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, and Bryce Huff. That track record suggests the Titans’ defensive line is in capable hands.
Saleh’s own background is with linebackers, and that part of the defense is expected to be a stronghold under his leadership. But to fully round out this unit, the Titans need someone who can elevate the secondary-someone who can bring elite-level teaching and scheme work to the defensive backfield.
Here’s where Saleh’s role as play-caller becomes a strategic advantage. Because he’s handling the calls, he can offer the defensive coordinator title to a top-tier position coach without burdening them with full-scheme responsibilities. That opens the door to attract some of the best DB minds in the league.
Two names the Titans have already interviewed stand out: Al Harris and Dino Vasso.
Let’s start with Harris. Currently serving as the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator for the Chicago Bears, Harris led a unit that topped the NFL in interceptions. Six different DBs came away with at least one pick, and former Titan Kevin Byard had a standout season with seven of his own.
This isn’t a one-off for Harris. During his time in Dallas, he helped develop playmakers like Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland-players who thrived under his guidance in aggressive, turnover-hunting schemes.
Harris has a strong connection with Mike McCarthy, so there’s a chance he could follow him to Pittsburgh. But there’s also a Titans connection: Harris got his coaching start with the Kansas City Chiefs during the early days of their current dynasty, a time when Titans GM Ran Carthon and assistant GM Mike Borgonzi were rising through the ranks.
If Harris isn’t the one, Dino Vasso is another strong candidate.
Vasso, currently the secondary coach for the Houston Texans, has quietly built a strong résumé. He got his first real shot coaching cornerbacks under David Culley in 2021 and held onto his position through multiple coaching changes-Lovie Smith in 2022, then DeMeco Ryans in 2023. That kind of continuity speaks volumes in a league where staff turnover is constant.
In 2024, Vasso was promoted to secondary coach, and the Texans’ defense has been one of the league’s best since. His rise has been steady, and his work with the Texans’ young secondary has earned respect around the league. Like Harris, Vasso also has ties to Kansas City and Borgonzi, which could help make the transition smoother.
Bottom line: whether it’s Harris or Vasso, the Titans are in a position to land a high-level DB coach who can help complete what’s shaping up to be a formidable defensive staff. With Whitecotton on the line, Saleh overseeing the scheme, and a proven secondary coach rounding out the group, this defense could quickly become one of the most disciplined and dangerous in the league.
Saleh’s blueprint is clear-and in Tennessee, it’s already coming together.