Post-Loss Presser from the Tennessee Titans Interim Staff

The room inside Nissan Stadium’s media center was quiet—save for the hum of cameras and the rustle of notepads—as the Tennessee Titans’ interim coaching staff stepped up to the podium, fresh off a 31-24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that eliminated the team from playoff contention. Leading the presser was interim head coach Jim Schwartz, flanked by interim offensive coordinator Charles London and interim defensive coordinator Anthony Midget—all three wearing somber expressions, their game-day headsets still hanging around their necks. The mood was reflective, not defensive, as Schwartz opened with a straightforward acknowledgment of the defeat: “We didn’t get the job done today. That’s on all of us—coaches, players, staff. The Jaguars outexecuted us when it mattered most, and we have to own that.” What followed was a 45-minute session that balanced accountability with resolve, offering insights into the team’s struggles, plans for the final two games of the season, and commitment to playing for the franchise’s fans. Post-Loss Presser from the Tennessee Titans Interim Staff captures the tone and takeaways of this pivotal moment for a team in transition.

Schwartz, who took over as interim head coach three weeks prior after the firing of Mike Vrabel, spent much of the presser breaking down the game’s critical turning points—most notably a fourth-quarter fumble by running back Derrick Henry that the Jaguars recovered and returned for a touchdown to take a 28-21 lead. “That play changed the momentum,” Schwartz said, leaning forward on the podium. “We had a chance to tie it up or take the lead, but we didn’t protect the ball. As coaches, we need to do a better job of emphasizing situational awareness—knowing when to hold onto the ball, when to take what the defense gives you. That’s a teachable moment, and we’ll make sure it sticks.” He also addressed the offense’s inability to convert on third downs (just 3 of 12 on the day), noting that the playcalling “needed to be more creative” and that the team “didn’t adjust quickly enough” to the Jaguars’ defensive shifts. When asked if he felt the team had quit in the final minutes, Schwartz pushed back firmly: “This team didn’t quit. You saw guys fighting until the last play—diving for loose balls, making tackles, trying to get the offense going. Quitting isn’t in this locker room. But fighting hard isn’t enough—we need to fight smart, and we didn’t do that today.” Post-Loss Presser from the Tennessee Titans Interim Staff emphasizes that Schwartz’s focus on accountability—without blaming players—set the tone for the rest of the presser.

London, who stepped into the interim offensive coordinator role after Brian Callahan’s firing, faced tough questions about the team’s passing game, which sputtered for much of the day (quarterback Ryan Tannehill finished 18 of 32 for 214 yards, with one touchdown and one interception). When asked if Tannehill was still the right fit for the offense, London chose to focus on collaboration rather than criticism: “Ryan works his tail off every day. Today, we didn’t give him the help he needed—whether that’s better protection from the offensive line or more open receivers. As the coordinator, I need to design plays that put our players in positions to succeed, and today I didn’t do that well enough.” He also discussed the team’s decision to lean on Henry (22 carries for 97 yards) despite the Jaguars stacking eight defenders in the box: “We know Derrick is our workhorse, but we need to mix it up more to keep defenses honest. We tried some screens and quick passes, but we didn’t stick with them long enough when they started working. That’s on me—I need to be more consistent with our game plan.” London ended his remarks with a promise to adjust: “We have two games left, and we’re going to use them to experiment, to get younger players reps, and to build something we can carry into next season. This isn’t the end—it’s a chance to learn.” Post-Loss Presser from the Tennessee Titans Interim Staff highlights that London’s willingness to take responsibility for the offense’s struggles stood in contrast to the finger-pointing that had marked previous pressers earlier in the season.

Midget, the interim defensive coordinator, had his own share of tough questions—most notably about the Jaguars’ ability to score 21 points in the second half, including a 75-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence to Calvin Ridley. When asked what went wrong on that play, Midget didn’t shy away from the details: “We had a coverage breakdown. Our cornerback bit on a double move, and our safety didn’t get over in time to help. That’s a communication issue—something we drill on every day, but we didn’t execute it when it counted. As a defensive staff, we need to make sure our players understand their assignments in every situation, and we need to practice those scenarios more.” He also addressed the defense’s struggles to get off the field on third downs (the Jaguars converted 6 of 11), noting that the pass rush “didn’t generate enough pressure” to force quick throws. “We have talent on this defense—Jeffery Simmons, Kevin Byard, Kristian Fulton—guys who can change games,” Midget said. “But talent alone isn’t enough. We need to put them in positions to make plays, and today we didn’t do that. That’s my responsibility.” For the Tennessee Titans, Midget’s focus on fixing specific issues—rather than making excuses—signaled a commitment to improvement, even with the playoffs out of reach. Post-Loss Presser from the Tennessee Titans Interim Staff shows that the Tennessee Titans’ interim defensive staff is already looking for tangible ways to correct the defense’s flaws in the final weeks.

A recurring theme throughout the presser was the Tennessee Titans’ commitment to their young players—many of whom saw increased reps in the loss, including rookie wide receiver Colton Dowell (3 catches for 45 yards) and second-year defensive end Rashad Weaver (1 sack, 2 quarterback hits). When asked if the final two games would be “evaluation games” for young talent, Schwartz confirmed that was the plan: “We have a lot of young guys who haven’t gotten much playing time this season, and these next two games are a chance to see what they can do. That’s not just for us—it’s for the franchise, for next year’s coaching staff. We owe it to these players to give them an opportunity to show what they’re capable of.” London added that he planned to use Dowell and fellow rookie tight end Josh Whyle in more creative ways: “Colton has speed, Josh has size—we need to design plays that let them use those strengths. We’re not just playing out the string—we’re building for the future.” For the Tennessee Titans, this focus on youth is critical; with several key veterans set to hit free agency in the offseason, the team needs to identify which young players can become core pieces of the roster. Post-Loss Presser from the Tennessee Titans Interim Staff underscores that the Tennessee Titans’ interim staff sees the final games as an investment in the franchise’s future, not just a formality.

The presser ended with Schwartz addressing the Titans’ fan base, a group that has grown frustrated with the team’s 6-9 record and lack of playoff success. “To our fans—thank you for sticking with us,” he said, his voice softening. “We know this season hasn’t been what anyone hoped for, and we’re sorry we couldn’t give you more to cheer about. But we promise you this: we’re going to play hard for you in these final two games. We’re going to represent this city with pride, and we’re going to lay the groundwork for a better season next year.” When asked if he had any message for the next head coach—who will be hired in the offseason—Schwartz smiled briefly: “My message would be simple: this is a great organization with great fans, and there’s talent here to win. You just need to build a system that fits that talent, and you need to be patient. Winning doesn’t happen overnight, but it can happen here.” As the presser wrapped up, the interim staff stood and thanked the media, then headed back to the locker room—ready to start preparing for the team’s next game, and for the work of building toward a better future. Post-Loss Presser from the Tennessee Titans Interim Staff concludes that while the loss was a disappointment, the interim staff’s focus on accountability, improvement, and youth development offered a glimmer of hope for a franchise in transition. For the Tennessee Titans, the final two games of the season may not mean playoff glory—but they could mean laying the groundwork for a return to competitiveness in the years to come.