New Era for the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are set to embark on a new chapter as they announce the hiring of Robert Saleh as their next head coach. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, which has endured a challenging period over the past few years. The team has struggled with four consecutive losing seasons and has experienced frequent changes in coaching and general management. During this time, the Titans have managed only 12 wins in their last 58 games, highlighting the need for a fresh approach.

A source familiar with the situation confirmed that the Titans and Saleh have reached an agreement on the terms of the deal. However, the official announcement is yet to be made. Saleh, who is 46 years old, has been serving as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers this season. His tenure with the 49ers includes a successful first stint from 2017 to 2020, followed by a return in 2025. Before joining the 49ers, Saleh was the head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 until he was fired after five games in the 2024 season. During his time with the Jets, Saleh compiled a record of 20-36, with two 7-10 seasons but never finishing better than third in the AFC East.

Saleh’s Impact on the 49ers Defense

Despite the challenges faced by the 49ers defense in 2025, including significant injuries to key players like Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Mykel Williams, the unit still managed to reach the divisional round of the NFC postseason. Saleh’s ability to adapt his schemes kept the team competitive even without its most reliable contributors. Following a roster overhaul after the 2024 season, the 49ers defense faced a different landscape, but Saleh’s strategic adjustments continued to show promise.

Saleh’s time with the Jets was marked by both highs and lows. On the defensive side, the Jets posted top-three defenses in 2022 and 2023, featuring standout performances from players such as Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams, C.J. Mosley, and Jermaine Johnson. However, the offensive struggles undermined these achievements, as the Jets failed to develop a consistent quarterback and made costly decisions in free agency.

Career Background and Connections

Before joining the 49ers in 2017, Saleh built his coaching career through various roles, starting as an intern and quality control assistant with the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks. He then moved to Jacksonville, where he served as a linebackers coach under Gus Bradley for three seasons. Saleh’s experience in the NFL has provided him with valuable connections, particularly within the Shanahan and Sean McVay coaching trees. His friendship with Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur dates back to their days as graduate assistants at Central Michigan in 2004.

After parting ways with the Jets in early 2024, Saleh reunited with LaFleur and worked as a consultant with the Packers for the remainder of the season. These relationships highlight Saleh’s network and potential influence on the Titans’ future direction.

Titans’ Coaching Search

The Titans’ decision to hire Saleh follows the dismissal of former coach Brian Callahan in October after a 1-5 start to the 2025 season. Under interim coach Mike McCoy, the Titans finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record, securing the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Callahan’s tenure was the shortest in franchise history, with a 4-19 record over 23 games.

Mike Borgonzi, the Titans’ first-year general manager, led the search for a new coach. His team included Chad Brinker, Dave Ziegler, Reggie McKenzie, and Dan Saganey. The Titans interviewed 16 candidates, ranging from Super Bowl-winning coaches to coordinators and recently fired coaches. Among the names considered were Lou Anarumo, Brian Daboll, Jason Garrett, Jonathan Gannon, Jeff Hafley, Vance Joseph, Mike McCarthy, Mike McDaniel, Mike McCoy, Jesse Minter, Raheem Morris, Matt Nagy, Robert Saleh, Arthur Smith, and Steve Spagnuolo.

A New Chapter for the Titans

Saleh becomes the seventh full-time head coach for the Titans since the franchise relocated to Nashville in 1999. He follows in the footsteps of Jeff Fisher, Mike Munchak, Ken Whisenhunt, Mike Mularkey, Mike Vrabel, and Brian Callahan. Mike McCoy, who served as the interim coach following Callahan’s departure, also coached the team for 11 games in 2025. Only Fisher and Vrabel ended their tenures with winning records.

As the Titans prepare for the future, the hiring of Saleh signals a commitment to change and growth. With Cam Ward as the second-year quarterback, the team is looking to rebuild and restore its competitive edge in the league.