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

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

Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean · The Tennessean

Mon, Jan 19, 2026 ·

29 min read

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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.

The Titans are on to Round 2 of their interview process as of Jan. 19, with three frontrunners having taken the lead and scheduled in-person interviews for the coming days.

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

Robert Saleh: Titans coach

The Tennessean can confirm that the Titans and Saleh have agreed to terms on a deal to make Saleh the next head coach of the Tennessee Titans . General manager Mike Borgonzi and the rest of the Titans' search team went out and hired the candidate who ranked at or near the top of most of the "best candidates available" lists heading into the offseason, lists that were turned upside down and rewritten by the surprise firings and resignations of John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin and Sean McDermott. Nevertheless, the Titans have one of the ideal retread candidates, fulfilling their search for more experience in the coaching ranks.

Robert Saleh gets the nod... Titans coach per reports

ESPN and NFL Network indicated with reports late Monday evening that the Titans have an agreement with Robert Saleh to be their next head coach. The Tennessean is working to confirm.

Titans announce... something

The Titans put out an official announcement from their social media accounts indicating that they've completed interviews with Robert Saleh and Matt Nagy. This is Nagy's second officially-completed interview with the Titans and Saleh's first. Both were in-person.

No announcement has been made about a hiring. So, the Titans confirmed what's already been reported with no additional indications any direction.

Jeff Hafley's official in Miami

Not that this is any surprise given the reporting earlier in the day, but the Miami Dolphins officially announced their hiring of Jeff Hafley. That makes it three times that've completed their coaching searches, adding Hafley and the Dolphins to the list with John Harbaugh and the New York Giants and Kevin Stefanski with the Atlanta Falcons .

Details emerge on Jeff Hafley

It's become clear that Hafley is going to accept a job with the Dolphins rather than interview with the Titans as scheduled on Tuesday. ESPN and NFL Network are now reporting that Hafley and Miami are in agreement on a five-year contract, though the hiring hasn't yet been announced by the Dolphins.

Robert Saleh and leverage from the Arizona Cardinals

Per a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Robert Saleh has an interview scheduled in-person with the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday. Saleh is interviewing with the Titans on Monday, creating a similar pattern as happened to the Titans when John Harbaugh, Kevin Stefanski and Jeff Hafley accepted other coaching jobs before conducting their scheduled interviews with the Titans.

If Pelissero's report is to be believed, Saleh will get on the plane for his interview with the Cardinals if the Titans don't offer him the job Monday night, putting the Titans on the clock with both Saleh and fellow finalist Matt Nagy.

Jeff Hafley might not be making it to Nashville: Miami Dolphins 'closing in on deal'

Per reports from NFL Network, the Miami Dolphins are "closing in on a deal" to hire Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their next head coach. Hafley had been one of the Titans' finalists they had intended to interview in-person for their head coaching job.

If the Dolphins do in fact hire Hafley, that leaves the Titans with two remaining in-person candidates: Matt Nagy and Robert Saleh. Both of those interviews were expected to be completed on Monday.

Eric Bieniemy, Matt Nagy and the Titans

Per a report from NFL Network, former Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is set to return to the Chiefs as their offensive coordinator again in 2026. That complicates things for former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. Nagy had a second-round, in-person interview with the Titans for their head coaching vacancy scheduled for Monday. He's very much in the mix in Nashville. But now he'll be on the market as a coordinator too, with the Chiefs expected to move on.

This doesn't affect the Titans too much; Nagy's contract was expiring this offseason anyway, so he would've been available as head coach or coordinator at any point. But now that the Chiefs seem intent on moving on, this clears the path for the Titans to have a little extra leverage with Nagy.

The Miami Dolphins and the Rooney Rule

The Dolphins have been considered the frontrunners to hire Jeff Hafley, one of the finalists for the Titans job. As of Monday, because of quick interviews with Detroit defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and Las Vegas defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the Dolphins are Rooney Rule compliant and can offer Hafley the job to be accepted at any point.

The Titans have been Rooney Rule compliant for nearly a week and can also offer the job to any candidate they prefer.

Offensive coordinator chat

The Detroit Lions are reportedly hiring former Arizona offensive coordinator Drew Petzing for their offensive coordinator job. That helps the Titans out in a small way. If the Titans are hoping to hire a former head coach who they've interviewed for the top job as a backup plan at OC, the Detroit job coming off the board is a nice sign. The Lions' offense is one of the most talented in the league, and seeing candidates like Brian Daboll, Mike McDaniel and Arthur Smith not end up with that job is a benefit.

The Sean McDermott logic problem

As multiple national reporters have pointed out, and as logic indicates, teams with vacancies are going to have trouble making time to talk to Sean McDermott immediately since so many of those teams have in-person interviews with candidates scheduled today and in the coming days.

The dilemma is this: Only one team will be able to hire McDermott. All the other teams that race after him will be competing amongst themselves and McDermott's old team in Buffalo to hire the remaining candidates. And those remaining candidates could well vanish while McDermott's making his decision.

None of that should dissuade a team from pursuing the best coach on the market, but it will factor into decision making in the coming days.

Matt Nagy intrigue ramps up

Per national reports, the Kansas City Chiefs have put in a request to interview Eric Bienemy for their offensive coordinator job. Matt Nagy, one of the finalists for the Titans' head coaching job, holds that post. Nagy's on an expiring contract, so the request doesn't necessarily mean the Chiefs are preparing as if Nagy's going to get a coaching job elsewhere. He may just not be retained in Kansas City. But either way, the Chiefs' decision adds a little intrigue as Nagy is expected to visit in Nashville today.

NFL coaching vacancies: To recap

With the Bills firing McDermott, there have now been 10 coaching jobs that came open this offseason. According to research from ESPN, that's tied for the most in league history. The Falcons and Giants have already made hires, snagging Kevin Stefanski and John Harbaugh respectively. That leaves the Titans competing for candidates with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens , Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns , Las Vegas Raiders , Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers .

Reports: Buffalo Bills firing coach Sean McDermott after 9 seasons

According to reports from NFL Network and Sports Illustrated, the Buffalo Bills are firing coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons. McDermott took Buffalo to the postseason eight times in nine years, winning at least 10 games in each of the last seven seasons. But the Bills' playoff fates never extended past the AFC Championship Game, and now one of the best teams in the NFL is in the market for a new coach and one of the most successful coaches in the NFL is in the market for a new job.

Latest Titans news: It's Robert Saleh, Matt Nagy and Jeff Hafley for now

The Titans have three second-round interviews scheduled in the coming days: Saleh, the 49ers defensive coordinator, is coming in for an in-person interview on Monday, which will technically be his first interview with the Titans. Nagy is also expected to visit in-person on Monday, with Hafley scheduled to visit Nashville on Tuesday.

The Titans previously intended to bring Kevin Stefanski in for a second in-person interview, but Stefanski has since been hired by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons' vacancy is one of two that's already been filled. The New York Giants have also filled their vacancy, hiring former Ravens coach John Harbaugh.

What NFL jobs are still open?

Along with the Titans, the NFL teams searching for head coaches include the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL coach interview schedules

Jan. 19 is the first day that NFL teams are permitted to conduct in-person interviews with coaching candidates employed by NFL teams whose seasons have ended. This means teams can conduct in-person interviews with coaching candidates from every NFL team except for the Seattle Seahawks , Los Angeles Rams , New England Patriots and Denver Broncos .

The only candidate from those four teams that the Titans have conducted an interview with as of yet is Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. The Titans had previously requested an interview with Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula but that interview never came to pass.

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

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