Titans Set to Hire Robert Saleh as Head Coach

The Tennessee Titans are moving forward in their search for a new head coach, with plans to bring in someone experienced from the NFL. Reports indicate that Robert Saleh, the standout defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, is in talks to take on the role.

Saleh had a challenging stint with the New York Jets, where he coached for 56 games between 2021 and 2024, but the Titans believe he could be the right person to lead their young roster, especially with quarterback Cam Ward, this year’s top draft pick.

Interestingly, Saleh will be the fourth coach hired during this busy NFL season. Previously, John Harbaugh (New York Giants), Kevin Stefanski (Atlanta Falcons), and Jeff Hafley (Miami Dolphins) were all candidates interviewed by the Titans but ended up with other teams.

On Monday, the Titans confirmed that both Saleh and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy had discussions, but it seems that Saleh made a compelling case for why he’d be a great fit for the team.

It’s worth noting that the Titans are eager to turn things around after struggling with a record of 3-14 in the last two seasons. With the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming draft and other valuable selections, they’re in a decent position to rebuild. Plus, they have substantial salary cap space to attract talent in free agency, which could be crucial for Saleh as he starts to mold the team’s roster.

Saleh emerged in the head coaching discussion back in 2017 when he became the defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan with the 49ers. By 2019, he played a vital role in leading them to the Super Bowl, even though they ultimately fell to the Kansas City Chiefs. Following a less successful season in San Francisco, he was brought on by the Jets, where his motto “all gas, no brakes” gained popularity among fans and players alike.

Although Saleh’s time with the Jets saw some defensive successes, they struggled to reach the playoffs. His best records were 7-10 in consecutive years, leading to his dismissal after the Jets’ rocky start in 2024. Shanahan called him back to the 49ers, hoping he could help recover from injuries that plagued key defensive players.

Now, as he moves to Tennessee, Saleh faces a familiar challenge. Can he change the narrative and help a team that desperately needs to improve? It’s a tall order, but with a mix of new talent and some financial wiggle room, he might just have the tools he needs to make a difference. This is Saleh’s third role in the AFC South; he previously worked with the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the 49ers.

As coaching vacancies remain across the league, including firings such as Sean McDermott from the Buffalo Bills, the landscape is ever-changing. The Titans, with their new direction, certainly have a lot at stake in this coaching cycle.