Titans Narrow Head Coaching Search to Final Three: Saleh, Nagy, Hafley in the Mix
The Tennessee Titans are closing in on their next head coach. After casting a wide net with interviews - 17 candidates in total - the search has been trimmed to a final three: Robert Saleh, Matt Nagy, and Jeff Hafley. All three are expected to meet with the Titans’ brass in person this weekend, signaling that the franchise is ready to make a decision soon on who will replace Brian Callahan.
Let’s break down the three finalists and what each brings to the table.
Robert Saleh: The Defensive Leader With Offensive Ties
Saleh is the most recent addition to the final interview slate, and his candidacy is picking up serious momentum. Originally scheduled for a virtual interview on Sunday night, the Titans pivoted after his San Francisco 49ers were eliminated from the playoffs - opting instead to bring him to Nashville for an in-person meeting. That shift says a lot.
Saleh’s time as head coach of the New York Jets has been scrutinized, but context matters. The dysfunction surrounding the Jets - from ownership issues to the Aaron Rodgers saga - has painted a clearer picture of the challenges he faced. Through it all, Saleh has maintained respect around the league as a steady, motivational presence and a defensive mind who knows how to lead a locker room.
What makes him especially intriguing for Tennessee is his potential to build a strong staff. Saleh has ties to several rising offensive coordinator candidates, which could help balance his defensive pedigree with the offensive innovation the Titans need. If Tennessee is looking for a culture-setter who can command a room and build from the trenches out, Saleh checks a lot of boxes.
Jeff Hafley: The Wild Card with Rising Stock
Jeff Hafley is scheduled to meet with the Titans on Tuesday - but there’s a chance he may not make it to Nashville. He’s got an in-person interview with the Miami Dolphins on Monday, and there’s buzz that he’s a top target for their head coaching vacancy. Hafley’s connection to Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, from their time together in Green Bay, has made him a strong contender in Miami.
If Hafley does land the Dolphins job, he’d be the third candidate to cancel a scheduled Titans meeting in favor of another opportunity - following in the footsteps of John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski.
Still, if he does make it to Tennessee, Hafley brings an intriguing profile. He’s known for his defensive acumen and player development, and he’s earned a reputation as a sharp football mind who connects well with younger rosters. The Titans could view him as a long-term investment - someone who can grow with a team in transition.
Matt Nagy: The Familiar Face With GM Ties
Matt Nagy was always going to be in the mix. His long-standing relationship with Titans GM Mike Borgonzi - dating back to their shared time with the Kansas City Chiefs - made him a natural fit as soon as the job opened up. And for a while, it looked like Nagy might be the frontrunner.
Nagy’s head coaching record in Chicago (34-31) isn’t eye-popping, but it’s more respectable than some give him credit for - especially considering the quarterback carousel he dealt with, from Mitch Trubisky to Nick Foles to Justin Fields. He’s a steady presence who knows how to run an NFL locker room and brings a strong understanding of modern offensive systems.
That said, his candidacy feels a bit safe. He’s not a flashy hire, and with Saleh now in the final three, it’s clear the Titans are exploring options with a potentially higher ceiling. Still, Nagy’s experience and familiarity with Borgonzi could carry weight in the final decision.
What’s Next for Tennessee?
The Titans are expected to make their hire soon after this weekend’s in-person interviews. Each of the three finalists brings a different flavor: Saleh offers leadership and defensive credibility, Hafley is the rising star with upside, and Nagy provides familiarity and stability.
It’s a pivotal moment for a franchise in transition. With a young roster, a new GM, and a fanbase hungry for a fresh direction, the next head coach will be tasked with more than just calling plays - they’ll be setting the tone for the next era of Titans football.