Peyton Manning Advises GM Ran Carthon on the Tennessee Titans Future

As the Tennessee Titans navigate a critical rebuild following a 7-10 2024 season, GM Ran Carthon has turned to a familiar voice for guidance: Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. Manning, who spent 14 seasons in the AFC South with the Indianapolis Colts (rivals of the Titans) and has deep ties to Nashville (his family owns a home in the area), brings a rare blend of on-field expertise, front-office insight, and regional football knowledge to the table. Their conversations—held over dinners, phone calls, and occasional visits to Titans headquarters—have centered on the team’s biggest priorities: quarterback development, roster balance, and building a sustainable winning culture. Peyton Manning Advises GM Ran Carthon on the Tennessee Titans Future explores the context of their partnership, Manning’s key insights on quarterback play, his advice for roster construction, his take on organizational culture, and how his guidance could shape the Titans’ next era.

Peyton Manning Advises GM Ran Carthon on the Tennessee Titans Future begins with the unique bond between Manning and the Titans’ organization—one rooted in respect, rivalry, and shared football values. Though Manning spent his career with the Colts and Denver Broncos, he faced the Titans twice a year for over a decade, developing a deep understanding of the team’s history, fanbase, and division dynamics. After retiring in 2016, Manning has stayed connected to the NFL through broadcasting (as a commentator for ESPN’s Monday Night Football) and ownership (he’s part of the group that owns the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rapids). When Carthon was hired as Titans GM in 2023, he reached out to Manning almost immediately—knowing the Hall of Famer’s perspective on AFC South football and quarterback evaluation would be invaluable. “Peyton’s seen this division from every angle,” Carthon said in a recent interview. “He knows what it takes to win here, what kind of players thrive in this climate, and how to build a team that can compete year in and year out. Having him as a sounding board has been a game-changer.” Manning, for his part, has embraced the role, calling the Titans “a franchise with a proud history and a bright future—if they make the right moves.”

Peyton Manning Advises GM Ran Carthon on the Tennessee Titans Future next delves into Manning’s most critical advice: prioritizing quarterback development as the foundation of the rebuild. The Titans have struggled at the position since Ryan Tannehill’s decline in 2023, cycling through backups like Malik Willis and Will Levis with mixed results. Manning—who spent years studying film, refining mechanics, and building offensive systems—has urged Carthon to take a patient, intentional approach. “Quarterback is not a position you rush,” Manning told Carthon, according to sources close to the conversation. “You need to find a guy with the right mix of talent, work ethic, and football IQ—and then give him the tools to succeed: a strong offensive line, reliable receivers, and a system that plays to his strengths.” Manning has also offered specific insights on Levis, the Titans’ 2023 second-round pick, who showed flashes of potential (10 touchdowns, 4 interceptions in 8 starts) but struggled with consistency. “Will has the arm strength and the mobility,” Manning said during a visit to Titans camp. “But he needs to work on his pre-snap reads and decision-making—things that come with time and reps. Don’t give up on him too soon, but don’t let loyalty blind you to what’s best for the team.”

Peyton Manning Advises GM Ran Carthon on the Tennessee Titans Future covers Manning’s advice on roster construction—emphasizing balance over star power and investing in the trenches. Manning, who played behind some of the NFL’s best offensive lines in Indianapolis, has stressed the importance of building a strong front seven on defense and a physical offensive line. “You can’t win in the NFL without controlling the line of scrimmage,” Manning told Carthon. “In the AFC South, where you play in tough weather and against physical defenses, that’s even more true.” He has specifically praised the Titans’ decision to re-sign defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (a Pro Bowler with 7 sacks in 2024) and urged Carthon to add depth to the offensive line—an area that struggled in 2024, allowing 45 sacks (tied for 22nd in the NFL). For the Tennessee Titans, this advice aligns with their current strategy: the team is expected to target offensive linemen and edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft, using their first-round pick (projected to be in the top 10) to address a position of need. “Peyton’s been there—he knows what it’s like to play behind a line that can’t protect you,” Carthon said. “His advice has confirmed that we’re on the right track with our roster building, but also challenged us to be more aggressive in addressing our weaknesses.”

Another layer of Peyton Manning Advises GM Ran Carthon on the Tennessee Titans Future is Manning’s take on organizational culture—something he believes is just as important as talent. During his time with the Colts and Broncos, Manning played for teams with clear values: accountability, work ethic, and a team-first mentality. He has urged Carthon to foster that same culture in Tennessee, starting with the coaching staff and trickling down to the locker room. “Culture isn’t about slogans—it’s about actions,” Manning told Carthon. “It’s about holding players accountable when they make mistakes, rewarding guys who put the team first, and creating an environment where everyone is pushing each other to get better.” He has also emphasized the importance of connecting with the Titans’ fanbase—a passionate group that has stuck with the team through ups and downs. “The fans in Nashville are some of the best in the NFL,” Manning said. “They care about this team, and they deserve a product that plays hard every Sunday. Make sure the players understand that—make sure they feel that connection to the community.” For the Tennessee Titans, this advice has translated to tangible changes: head coach Brian Callahan has implemented “accountability meetings” with players, and the team has increased community outreach events (including player appearances at local schools and hospitals). “Peyton’s point about culture really resonated with us,” Callahan said. “Talent wins games, but culture wins championships. We’re building something here that’s bigger than just one season.”

Peyton Manning Advises GM Ran Carthon on the Tennessee Titans Future wraps up with how Manning’s guidance could shape the Titans’ future—and why his input is more valuable than that of a typical NFL consultant. Unlike many former players who offer generic advice, Manning speaks from experience: he’s won two Super Bowls, been named NFL MVP five times, and worked closely with GMs and coaches to build winning rosters. His understanding of the AFC South—including the strengths and weaknesses of divisional rivals like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans—gives the Titans a competitive edge as they rebuild. Perhaps most importantly, Manning’s advice is rooted in patience. He’s urged Carthon not to chase quick fixes (like overpaying for a veteran quarterback in free agency) but to stay committed to the rebuild, even if it means short-term growing pains. “Rebuilding takes time,” Manning said in a recent conversation with Carthon. “You’re not just building a team—you’re building a legacy. The Titans have the pieces to be a contender again, but it’s going to take discipline, focus, and a little bit of luck. Stay the course.” For the Tennessee Titans, Manning’s words are more than just advice—they’re a roadmap. As Carthon and Callahan work to turn the team around, they’ll continue to lean on the Hall of Famer’s wisdom, knowing that his perspective could be the difference between a failed rebuild and a return to the playoffs. One thing is clear: with Peyton Manning in their corner, the Tennessee Titans have a better chance of writing their next chapter of success.