Head Coach Interviews Underway for the Tennessee Titans

As the 2025 NFL season nears its end, the Tennessee Titans have shifted into high gear with their head coach search, launching formal interviews with top candidates to replace the fired Mike Vrabel. The process, led by general manager Ran Carthon and team owner Amy Adams Strunk, comes after a disappointing 3-7 start exposed systemic issues—offensive inconsistency, defensive lapses, and locker room morale struggles—that the new coach must address. Head Coach Interviews Underway for the Tennessee Titans explores the structure of the interview process, the leading candidates in contention, and the franchise’s priorities as it seeks a leader to guide its rebuild and return to AFC South competitiveness. For the Titans, these interviews aren’t just a formality; they’re a pivotal step in defining the team’s identity for the next decade.

Head Coach Interviews Underway for the Tennessee Titans begins with the logistics of the process, which the Titans have designed to be thorough and inclusive. The team kicked off interviews in early December 2025, conducting virtual meetings with candidates still involved in their current teams’ seasons (per NFL rules, playoff-bound teams can block in-person interviews until their season ends). In-person interviews will follow for finalists, with meetings scheduled at Nissan Stadium and the Titans’ training facility to give candidates a chance to tour facilities, meet staff, and discuss roster needs firsthand. The interview panel includes Carthon, Strunk, senior vice president of football operations Ryan Cowden, and a few trusted team advisors—ensuring input from both football and business perspectives. A key focus of the interviews is “cultural fit”: the Titans want a coach who aligns with their values of accountability, community engagement, and player development, not just someone with a strong X’s and O’s background. “We’re not just hiring a coach—we’re hiring a leader who will set the tone for our entire organization,” Carthon said in a recent statement. “The interview process is designed to dig deep into how candidates build teams, manage locker rooms, and adapt to challenges—because those are the things that will determine our success.”

The first round of interviews has included several high-profile candidates, with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald emerging as early front-runners. Johnson, who joined the Titans for an in-person interview after the Lions’ regular season ended, focused his discussion on how he’d tailor his rhythm-based offense to the Titans’ roster—specifically, how he’d maximize young quarterback Will Levis’ arm strength while complementing Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry. He also highlighted his history with Carthon (they worked together in Detroit) as a way to streamline decision-making. Macdonald, who met virtually with the Titans, emphasized his defensive philosophy: building a flexible, aggressive unit that can fix the Titans’ pass-rush issues (14 sacks through 10 games) and reduce points allowed. He also discussed his approach to player development, citing how he turned Odafe Oweh into a 12-sack edge rusher in Baltimore—a selling point for the Titans, who have underperforming talent like Jeffery Simmons on defense. Head Coach Interviews Underway for the Tennessee Titans notes that both candidates have impressed the panel, but the Titans are also keeping an open mind, with interviews scheduled for former Colts coach Frank Reich and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris in the coming weeks.

Head Coach Interviews Underway for the Tennessee Titans also delves into the franchise’s top priorities as it evaluates candidates: quarterback development and defensive turnaround. The Titans’ uncertainty at quarterback—Levis has shown potential but also inconsistency—means they’re prioritizing coaches with a track record of nurturing young signal-callers. Johnson’s work with Jared Goff (turning him from a bust label to a Pro Bowler) and Reich’s history with Carson Wentz have made them stand out in this area. Defensive improvement is equally critical: the Titans want a coach who can either fix their current defense (via scheme or player development) or hire a top coordinator to do so. Macdonald’s defensive dominance in Baltimore and Morris’ recent success with the Rams have made them strong contenders here. For the Tennessee Titans, striking a balance between these two priorities is key—they don’t want a coach who excels on one side of the ball but neglects the other. “We need someone who understands that winning in the NFL requires both a strong offense and defense,” Strunk said during an interview with Nashville’s WKRN. “The candidates who can articulate a clear plan for both—without ignoring one—are the ones who will rise to the top.”

Another factor shaping the interviews is the Titans’ commitment to community and fan engagement—a value that’s been central to the franchise for decades. The team has included questions about how candidates will connect with Tennessee’s communities, from participating in youth development programs (like the Titans’ Academic Zone) to engaging with fans during the off-season. This focus stems from the Titans’ belief that a coach who invests in the community will build stronger bonds with players and fans alike. During his interview, Reich highlighted his work with youth mentorship programs in Indianapolis, while Morris discussed his experience with the Rams’ inclusive football leagues for kids with disabilities. For the Tennessee Titans, this isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a non-negotiable. “Our coach represents this franchise and this state,” Carthon said. “We need someone who will show up for our communities, not just on game days but every day. That’s part of what makes the Titans special, and we won’t compromise on that.” This focus has helped narrow the field, as candidates who downplayed community involvement have been less likely to move forward.

Head Coach Interviews Underway for the Tennessee Titans concludes with the timeline and stakes of the decision. The Titans aim to hire a coach by late January 2026, giving the new leader enough time to assemble a staff, evaluate the roster, and prepare for free agency and the draft. The stakes couldn’t be higher: a successful hire could accelerate the rebuild, keep fans engaged, and potentially extend Henry’s tenure with the team. A misstep could prolong mediocrity, alienate a fanbase already frustrated by recent struggles, and leave the Titans stuck in a cycle of losing. The final round of interviews will include deeper dives into roster strategy—candidates will be asked to review film of the Titans’ 2025 season and outline specific moves to address weaknesses—and salary cap management, as the team navigates potential decisions on Henry’s contract and Levis’ future. For the Tennessee Titans, this hire is more than just filling a position; it’s about restoring hope. “We know our fans are hungry for winning football, and we’re working tirelessly to find the right coach to deliver that,” Strunk said. As the interviews continue, all eyes are on Nashville—waiting to see who will be tasked with leading the Titans into their next chapter. In the end, these interviews are about more than football; they’re about building a future that Titans fans can believe in.