NFL Rumors on Titans' HC Search, Latest Buzz on Mike McCarthy, Top Targets

The Tennessee Titans announced Friday that general manager Mike Borgonzi will lead the team's search for a new head coach and manage the 53-man roster.

Meanwhile, Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker will remain in his current role and oversee the team's salary cap, research and development, and analytics.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Tennessee is set to conduct a coaching search that includes candidates such as former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

The Titans were reportedly interested in Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman as well, although Freeman ultimately announced that he would be returning to the Fighting Irish in 2026.

Brian Callahan served as Tennessee's head coach to open the 2025 season, but was fired and replaced by interim coach Mike McCoy following the team's 1-5 start.

The Titans sit at just 3-13 this year after wrapping up a 3-14 finish last season, experiencing issues on both sides of the ball. Tennessee ranks No. 30 in scoring offense and No. 28 in scoring defense among all teams in 2025.

One bright spot has been Cam Ward, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft has shown promise while dealing with some inconsistency. Ward has completed 59.6 percent of his throws for 3,117 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions despite getting sacked a league-leading 55 times.

It isn't difficult to imagine the Titans being one of the NFL's most active teams in free agency while they look to upgrade the rest of their roster, as they're projected to have the most cap space in the league at just over $105.5 million (via Over the Cap).

As for Tennessee's vacancy at head coach, McCarthy is reportedly viewed as a top option for the team. He has 18 years of experience patrolling the sidelines in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, compiling a 174-112-2 overall record.

While playoff struggles highlighted the end of McCarthy's Cowboys tenure, his regular-season track record could be enticing for the Titans.