Titans dip into 49ers for new head coach
Tennessee turns to a familiar defensive blueprint as it bets on Robert Saleh to stabilize the franchise.
The Tennessee Titans are finalizing a deal to make Robert Saleh their next head coach, as reported by ESPN, turning once again to the San Francisco 49ers pipeline as they reset after a 3–14 season.
Saleh, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, spent Monday in Nashville for an in-person meeting that accelerated what had originally been scheduled as a virtual interview. The visit appears to have sealed the decision, with ownership favoring Saleh despite general manager Mike Borgonzi’s familiarity with Matt Nagy, who also interviewed for the role.
The hire brings an immediate divisional subplot. Saleh will now face DeMeco Ryans, another former 49ers defensive coordinator, twice a year in the AFC South, adding familiarity and edge to a rebuilding rivalry.
This marks a second head-coaching opportunity for Saleh after a difficult four-year stint with the New York Jets, where injuries and instability, including Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles tear, derailed progress. He finished 20–36 before being dismissed early in his fourth season.
In Tennessee, the mandate is clear: stabilize a fractured roster, assemble a credible offensive staff, and accelerate the development of No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. With a new stadium coming in 2027, the Titans are betting Saleh can provide the foundation they have lacked since their 2021 peak.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.