Tennessee Titans coaching search tracker: News, rumors, candidates, interviews

F1 São Paulo GP 2026 – Practice 1

Story by

Story by
Tennessee Titans coaching search tracker: News, rumors, candidates, interviews

Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean · The Tennessean

Tue, Jan 13, 2026 ·

21 min read

About Our Ads

It's coaching search season , and the Tennessee Titans are back at it for the second time in three years, this time looking for a coach to mentor a young roster and steer the franchise back in the direction of the postseason after four straight years of missing the playoffs.

General manager Mike Borgonzi is leading the search , his first since the Titans hired him in 2025. His role was clarified and restructured in recent days, giving him full power over the coaching staff and 53-man roster and the allowance to report directly to controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk , rather than president of football operations Chad Brinker.

The Titans were able to begin requesting interviews with candidates on Jan. 5. Expect the team to interview a large swath, with the listing falling somewhere in the 12-15 range by the end of the first round of virtual, preliminary interviews.

Follow along below as reports and rumors swirl about the Titans' coaching search, and as the fuller scope takes shape of who the team is interested in interviewing.

HOT BOARD: 15 Tennessee Titans coaching candidates as GM Mike Borgonzi begins search process

Tennessee Titans coaching search: Latest rumors, reports, news and updates

It'll be John Harbaugh to the Giants , per report

Late Wednesday evening, ESPN's Adam Schefter reporter that John Harbaugh and the New York Giants are "working to finalize an agreement" that will make Harbaugh the Giants' next coach, barring a setback. This comes in the shadow of a reported interview scheduled between the Titans and Harbaugh for Thursday at Harbaugh's home.

Harbaugh reportedly spent all day speaking with Giants brass.

If Harbaugh and the Giants complete their deal, that will take the top name off the coaching market and send the Titans back to the drawing board and the other 17 candidates they've been considering.

The Athletic reports Titans meeting with John Harbaugh

Per a report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Titans will meet with John Harbaugh in-person at Harbaugh's home on Thursday. This is a departure from the Titans' previous strategy of in-person interviews in Nashville and virtual interviews over video call. If completed as scheduled, Harbaugh becomes the 18th candidate the Titans have been in communication with.

Satisfying the Rooney Rule

As of Wednesday following the Titans' interview with former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, the Titans have now satisfied the Rooney Rule and can make a coaching hire at any time. Per a report from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the New York Giants have also satisfied the Rooney Rule.

More on Mike Tomlin, and how it affects the Titans

Per Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II, Mike Tomlin indicated that he did not anticipate coaching in the future and coaching in 2026 doesn't seem to be on his radar. That doesn't mean Tomlin can't be coaxed back into the profession, but it's hard to envision him landing a job in the 2026 cycle with that preference having been stated.

So the top tier of candidates is unchanged by Tomlin's stepping down in Pittsburgh , but the top tier of jobs available isn't undisturbed. The question is whether the Titans' job will be viewed in higher regard because of the resources available and the young quarterback in place, or whether the Steelers job will be viewed in higher regard because of the history of the Steelers franchise.

Scratch Mike Tomlin for now

Per a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, teams that reached out to Mike Tomlin in the hours after his resignation from Pittsburgh were informed that Tomlin does not plan to coach in 2026. Any team interested in hiring Tomlin would have to acquire him from Pittsburgh; since Tomlin wasn't fired, his contract is still in place and the Steelers would have the rights to trade him for draft compensation.

John Harbaugh visits the Giants

Per reports from ESPN and NFL Network, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh is conducting an in-person interview with the New York Giants on Wednesday. This will be Harbaugh's first official in-person interview. The national reporters have indicated that there is interest between Harbaugh and the Titans, but no murmurs of a scheduled interview have leaked.

John Harbaugh Watch continues

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported this afternoon that the Giants, Falcons. andTitans are considered to be the frontrunners to hire Harbaugh. No formal declarations about Harbaugh's interview schedule have been made, and no commitments have been reported about which or how many teams Harbaugh will ultimately choose to speak with.

Is Titans job better than Steelers?

The good news for the Titans here is, unlike when John Harbaugh and the Ravens split, Mike Tomlin's departure from Pittsburgh doesn't necessarily open up a better situation. The Steelers have a huge question mark at quarterback, a struggling offensive line, thin depth at the offensive skill positions and a couple of huge talents in the defensive front seven surrounded by role players. Pittsburgh's roster is stronger in the moment, but it's not necessarily set up to thrive in the coming years.

Whether Tomlin decides to pursue a coaching job again in 2026 or not should be a big question for the Titans. Obviously if he wants a job, he should be considered one of the two or three best coaches available, if not No. 1. But this just puts another great name on the market without necessarily bumping the Titans down in the pecking order for best jobs available. A pretty big win, in all honesty.

Given the rules surrounding Tomlin stepping down versus being fired, the Steelers will likely retain his rights and a team interested in hiring him would need to trade for his rights or work out an agreement with Pittsburgh.

Mike Tomlin stepping down as Steelers coach

Per reports from ESPN and NFL Network, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is stepping down, creating another high-profile vacancy in the NFL. This brings the list of jobs open to nine, and puts another Super Bowl winning coach on the market.

Expected Titans interview schedule

The Tennessean can report the following schedule is expected for the Titans' interviews this week:

Tuesday:Jeff Hafley and Jesse Minter
Wednesday:Mike McDaniel
Friday:Brian Daboll
Saturday:Mike McCarthy
Sunday:Jonathan Gannon and Robert Saleh

McDaniel, Daboll, McCarthy and Gannon will conduct their interviews with the Titans in person.

Sports Illustrated reports a timeline

Per SI's Albert Breer, the Titans are scheduled to meet with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley on Tuesday. The Wednesday schedule consists of meetings with former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

The Chargers, Packers and Steelers have all been eliminated from the playoffs. The only Titans candidates who remain in the playoffs are Robert Saleh ( San Francisco ) and Chris Shula ( Los Angeles Rams ).

Brian Daboll too? Titans candidate list grows

Per multiple national media reports, the Titans will also be interviewing former New York Giants coach Brian Daboll for their vacancy. With Daboll on the list, the only coaches who were fired in 2025 that the Titans aren't yet connected to are John Harbaugh, with whom there's interest but no announcement has been made, and Pete Carroll.

Titans candidate list: Who are the top NFL coach candidates available?

The Tennessean can confirm the following 17 candidates have interviewed, will interview or have been requested for interviews with the Titans:

Completed interviews, confirmed by team:

Matt Nagy
Steve Spagnuolo
Vance Joseph
Jason Garrett
Kevin Stefanski
Lou Anarumo
Mike McCoy

Have interviewed or will interview this week, not announced by team:

Raheem Morris
Mike McDaniel
Jonathan Gannon
Mike McCarthy

Have been requested for interviews, not announced by team:

Jesse Minter
Chris Shula
Arthur Smith
Jeff Hafley
Robert Saleh

John Harbaugh update: Are the Titans in the running?

Various media reports have indicated the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons are the front-runners to hire former Ravens coach John Harbaugh, but NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo indicates the Titans have a chance and are "firmly in the mix."

Jonathan Gannon and the former coach trend

The Titans are truly leaving no stones unturned in this process. Jonathan Gannon, recently fired as the Arizona Cardinals coach, will interview with the Titans at a later date, The Tennessean can confirm. That makes 12 former NFL head coaches ―including six who've been head coaches within the past two years ― on the Titans' interview list.

Mike McDaniel report: Titans interested in another former coach

Per a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Titans have scheduled an interview with former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel for next Wednesday. McDaniel was Miami's coach for four years, overseeing one of the most creative offenses in the sport but consistently held back by end-of-season struggles and the inconsistency of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa .

Let's catch up on reports: Who's interviewing where?

Here's a recap of some of the Titans' top candidates, and where all they're reportedly interviewing for jobs:

Lou Anarumo:New York, Tennessee
Vance Joseph:Arizona, Baltimore , Las Vegas , New York, Tennessee
Mike McCarthy:New York, Tennessee
Jesse Minter:Cleveland, Tennessee
Raheem Morris:Arizona, New York, Tennessee
Matt Nagy:Arizona, Baltimore, Las Vegas, Tennessee
Kevin Stefanski:New York, Tennessee

The list keeps growing: Mike McCarthy, Jesse Minter, Chris Shula

The Tennessean can confirm that the Titans have put in requests to speak to Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula for the head coaching vacancy, and that the Titans plan to speak to former Cowboys and Packers coach Mike McCarthy as well. That brings the total number of candidates up to 14, not counting names like Kliff Kingsbury and Mike McCoy who've been floated on the periphery of the search.

More Kliff Kingsbury intrigue

Per a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Titans and Ravens have expressed interest in "requesting" former Cardinals coach and soon-to-be former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. This isn't the first time Kingsbury's name has been connected to the Titans. Reports surfaced as early as Monday that the Titans might be interested.

The problem, of course, is Kingsbury's parting with the Commanders isn't team-official yet, so it's unclear whether he'll need to be requested, or whether he'll be free to speak to teams on his own. And even then, it's unclear whether the Titans are requesting Kingsbury or merely reportedly interested in doing so.

Official coaching announcements? Where are they?

Some teams are announcing individual interviews with coaching candidates as they're completed. The Baltimore Ravens, for example, just announced they've completed their interview with candidate Vance Joseph, who's also on the Titans' list.

Don't expect the Titans to announce interviews in the same way. The Titans are going to announce their interviews in more of a round-up capacity than one-by-one, so don't stress out based on any lack of formal announcements being made through the week.

The Mike McDaniel of it all

The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with coach Mike McDaniel, adding another offensive-minded former head coach into the glut of candidates available. McDaniel took the Dolphins to the playoffs and put up some impressive offenses in his time, but never helped get the team over the hump into the realm of real contenders.

With candidates like Kevin Stefanski and Mike McCarthy who've had more success as offensive-minded head coaches already on the market, it might be tough for McDaniel to stand out as an immediate second-chance retread. That said, he'll jump to the front of the list as best offensive coordinators available, and had enough success to merit the opportunity to at least explain himself in a couple head coaching interviews.

More names to the list

The Tennessean can confirm the Titans have put in requests to interview Robert Saleh, Arthur Smith and Jeff Hafley for their coaching search. Saleh is the 49ers defensive coordinator and former Jets head coach. Smith is Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator and former Falcons head coach who was a long-time Titans assistant. Hafley is the Packers' defensive coordinator. None can interview with the team until next week since they're coaching in the NFL postseason's wild card weekend.

Matt Nagy watch continues

Long considered the front-runner for the Titans search by the oddsmakers and league-wide prognosticators, Chiefs OC Matt Nagy is interviewing for more than just the Titans job. Per multiple national media reports Thursday morning, Nagy will even be interviewing for the Baltimore Ravens vacancy. The Ravens job is considered the best available of the league's seven opening, and would be a tempting one to turn down if offered given quarterback Lamar Jackson and the litany of playmakers around him, including former Titans stalwart Derrick Henry .

Nagy is expected to interview with the Titans on Thursday.

The John Harbaugh delay

Per reports from ESPN and The Athletic, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh has informed teams that he'll take a week to regroup before scheduling any interviews with any prospective teams. This shouldn't cause too much of a delay for any team looking to make hires, as the requirements to fit the Rooney Rule and the general diligence needed to interview a large swath of candidates makes it near-impossible to hire a candidate in a week. But the delay could end up making this complicated with scheduling interviews in the tight windows afforded teams when coaches who work for teams still in the postseason are made available.

Robert Saleh connected to the Titans

Per a report from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Titans have put in a request to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head coaching vacancy. Atlanta and Arizona have also reportedly requested to speak to Saleh. Saleh, who was head coach of the New York Jets for parts of four seasons, will not be able to interview for the Titans' vacancy until next week since the 49ers play in the wild card round of the NFL postseason this weekend.

Matt Nagy, Steve Spagnuolo and the Titans

Per a report from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Titans will conduct their interview with Steve Spagnuolo on Thursday. That's the same day the Titans are scheduled to interview Matt Nagy, the other Chiefs' coordinator getting looks this cycle. Apparently the Titans have some competition for Nagy, though. Nagy will reportedly also interview with the Raiders on Thursday and the Cardinals on Friday.

Titans are interested in John Harbaugh. So are everybody else

Per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, there are already seven teams that have reached out to former Ravens coach John Harbaugh's agent inquiring about his interest. Given the fact that (excluding Baltimore) there are only six other vacancies in the NFL, it's pretty safe to say the Titans are either interested or misguided for not being interested.

Per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Harbaugh is interested in coaching again in 2026.

A surprise name: Jason Garrett

ESPN and NFL Network are reporting that the Titans will interview former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett for their vacancy on Friday. Garrett hasn't coached in the NFL since 2021 and hasn't been a head coach since 2019. He owns an 85-67 record as a head coach but only three playoff appearances and two playoff wins in 10 seasons.

John Harbaugh (!?!?!?) is on the market

The Baltimore Ravens and John Harbaugh are reportedly parting ways after 18 years. Harbaugh is a Super Bowl winning coach and one of the winningest active coaches around. This decision complicates the Titans' coaching search for two reasons: One, Harbaugh instantly becomes the No. 1 candidate for almost every team in the middle of a search, and two, the Ravens become the best job on the market for candidates not named Harbaugh.

NFL coach interview tracker, league-wide update

Per various media reports, here is the league-wide list of candidates who are thought to be scheduling interviews or have been requested for interviews for the NFL's six coach openings:

Broncos DC Vance Joseph: Arizona Cardinals , Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
49ers DC Robert Saleh: Arizona Cardinals
Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak: Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders
Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver: Atlanta Falcons
Giants interim HC Mike Kafka : New York Giants
Former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski: New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
Chiefs OC Matt Nagy: Tennessee Titans
Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo: Tennessee Titans
Colts DC Lou Anarumo: Tennessee Titans, New York Giants
Former Falcons HC Raheem Morris: Tennessee Titans

Early interview scheduling updates

Per a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Titans will begin conducting their interviews by speaking to Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo on Wednesday. The plan is also to speak with former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday.

In a later post, Rapoport and Tom Pelissero add that Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will interview with the Titans for their vacancy on Thursday.

Rapoport has also reported that Raheem Morris will interview for the Titans' position on Monday.

Is Kevin Stefanski on the Titans' radar?

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, newly available former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to speak with the Titans, Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants. He is a two-time coach of the year, but the Browns finished near the bottom of the NFL each of the past two years.

Stefanski is an offensive-minded candidate in a year where there aren't many offensive candidates who are expected to get as much attention.

Raheem Morris: Newly on the market and available for Titans?

According to a report from ESPN's Peter Schrager, the Titans will interview fired Falcons coach Raheem Morris in the coming days. The Titans don't need to make a request to interview Morris because he's not under contract with another team. He had losing records in each of his two years coaching the Falcons, and two of his three years coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009-11).

Report: Will Kliff Kingsbury get a call?

NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that Kliff Kingsbury, the former Arizona Cardinals coach who now works as offensive coordinator in Washington, is "expected" to be in the mix for the Titans and Giants openings, among others.

Reports: Add Lou Anarumo to the mix

Lou Anarumo, the Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator best known for his stint as DC in Cincinnati under Zac Taylor, also has been requested for an interview by the Titans, per ESPN and NFL Network. Anarumo's proximity to former Titans coach Brian Callahan might be a hindrance for some fans, but his expertise and respected status as a program builder are reasons he'll get interview considerations.

Reports: Titans request interviews with Matt Nagy, Vance Joseph

Per reports from NFL Network, the Titans have requested interviews with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. NFL Network is also reporting that Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will get an interview with the Titans.

All three candidates are former NFL head coaches who've returned to coordinating after less-than-stellar stints in charge. Nagy coached in Chicago for four years, Joseph was the head coach in Denver for two years and Spagnuolo was head coach in St. Louis in addition to an interim stint in New York.

Titans coaching search history

The Titans parted ways with coach Brian Callahan in October following a 1-5 start to the 2025 season (4-19 overall). He was replaced by interim coach Mike McCoy, who led the team to a 2-9 finish, with the team earning the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as a result of its second consecutive 3-14 finish.

Titans roster: Who's returning, what are the needs on the depth chart?

Quarterback Cam Ward returns for his second season, albeit one that could come with a limited offseason because of a shoulder injury suffered in the Week 18 loss versus Jacksonville. Around Ward, the Titans figure to return a slew of up-and-coming contributors such as receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, tight end Gunnar Helm and offensive linemen Peter Skoronski and JC Latham. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is also under contract long-term.

On defense, the Titans return stalwart Jeffery Simmons, a defensive tackle who'll likely earn All-Pro status following his career-best performance in 2025. Around Simmons, some of the Titans' contributors who'll be expected to return and perform in 2026 are linebackers Cedric Gray and Cody Barton, safeties Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods and Kevin Winston Jr., and defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat.

The Titans' primary needs heading into 2026 are at receiver, edge defender and cornerback. They will have tough financial decisions to make about big-money players like receiver Calvin Ridley, cornerback L'Jarius Sneed and center Lloyd Cushenberry III, and possibly running back Tony Pollard, as they move the roster into a new era.

NFL coach search rumors: What other jobs are open?

In addition to the Titans, the franchises with head coaching openings at the moment are the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. On Black Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders fired Pete Carroll and the Arizona Cardinals fired Jonathan Gannon.

NFL coaching search candidates: Who are the big names?

Some of the big names who'll be expected to be hot commodities on the market are defensive coordinators like Robert Saleh, Jesse Minter, Vance Joseph, Chris Shula and Jeff Hafley; offensive coordinators like Kliff Kingsbury, Klint Kubiak, Joe Brady and Arthur Smith; and former head coaches like Mike McCarthy and Kevin Stefanski.

Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com . Follow Nick on X @nicksuss . Subscribe to the Talkin' Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans coach search tracker: News, rumors, candidates, interviews

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: