Head Coach Search Narrows for the Tennessee Titans

After weeks of interviews and evaluations, the Tennessee Titans’ head coach search has entered its final phase, with the franchise narrowing its pool of candidates to a select group of finalists. What began as a list of over a dozen potential hires—including offensive coordinators, defensive coordinators, and former head coaches—has been whittled down to three leading contenders, each bringing a unique set of skills to address the Titans’ most pressing needs: offensive inconsistency, defensive underperformance, and quarterback development. Head Coach Search Narrows for the Tennessee Titans explores the factors that led to the narrowed field, the strengths of the remaining candidates, and the franchise’s urgent timeline to make a hire before the start of free agency. For the Titans, this phase of the search isn’t just about picking a coach—it’s about selecting a leader who can unify the team and accelerate their rebuild in the competitive AFC South.

Head Coach Search Narrows for the Tennessee Titans begins with the process of elimination that shaped the final candidate pool. The Titans started by interviewing a diverse group of candidates, including rising assistants like Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and former NFL head coaches like Jim Caldwell. However, as interviews progressed, two key factors emerged as dealbreakers: a lack of alignment with the Titans’ roster vision, and a failure to articulate a clear plan for quarterback Will Levis (or a future franchise QB). For example, Caldwell, while experienced, was eliminated after struggling to outline how he’d adapt his offensive philosophy to complement Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry. Morris, meanwhile, was passed over due to concerns about his history of inconsistent head coaching results (he went 17-25 in three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). “We approached this search with an open mind, but we always had clear priorities,” Titans general manager Ran Carthon said in a private meeting with team advisors, per a source. “Candidates who couldn’t connect their vision to our existing roster—Henry, Levis, our young receivers—didn’t move forward. We need someone who can hit the ground running, not rebuild from scratch.” This focus on alignment ensured the remaining candidates all have a track record of building success with similar roster pieces.

The three finalists who have emerged from the search are Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich—each addressing a critical need for the Titans. Johnson, the front-runner in many analysts’ eyes, has built his case around his ability to maximize quarterbacks (turning Jared Goff into a Pro Bowler) and design offenses that balance running and passing—perfect for a Titans team that wants to lean on Henry while developing Levis. Macdonald, meanwhile, has highlighted his success building dominant defenses (the Ravens rank 3rd in sacks and 2nd in points allowed in 2025) and his experience developing young talent—key for a Titans defense that has underperformed despite featuring Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons. Reich, the most experienced candidate, has emphasized his history of quarterback development (Carson Wentz, Philip Rivers) and his ability to navigate rebuilds—appealing to a Titans franchise that wants stability after a chaotic 2025 season. Head Coach Search Narrows for the Tennessee Titans notes that each finalist has met with team owner Amy Adams Strunk twice—once virtually and once in person at Nissan Stadium—signaling the franchise’s serious interest in their visions.

Head Coach Search Narrows for the Tennessee Titans also delves into the Titans’ final evaluation criteria, which go beyond X’s and O’s to focus on leadership and cultural fit. The franchise has asked each finalist to participate in a “locker room simulation,” where they role-play addressing a team struggling with morale—a scenario the Titans know well after their midseason shakeup. They’ve also requested detailed plans for staff hiring, with a focus on retaining key position coaches (like defensive line coach Terrell Williams, who served as interim head coach) and adding experts in quarterback development. For the Tennessee Titans, these exercises are designed to test how candidates handle real-world challenges, not just hypothetical ones. “We need a coach who can unify this team, not just call plays,” Strunk said in a recent interview with Nashville’s The Tennessean. “The locker room simulation showed us how each candidate communicates, how they motivate, and how they handle conflict—and that’s just as important as their football knowledge.” Johnson, in particular, impressed the Titans with his ability to connect with hypothetical players, using personal stories about his time as a low-level assistant to build trust. Macdonald, meanwhile, showcased his attention to detail by presenting a week-by-week plan for fixing the Titans’ pass rush.

Another factor shaping the final phase of the search is the Titans’ timeline, which is tied to key off-season dates. The franchise aims to hire a coach by January 25, 2026—three weeks before the start of free agency (March 11)—to give the new leader time to evaluate the roster, prioritize free-agent targets, and collaborate with Carthon on draft strategy. This timeline is critical because the Titans have several key decisions to make: whether to re-sign Henry (who is in the final year of his contract), how to address the offensive line (which allowed 32 sacks in 2025), and whether to invest in Levis long-term or pursue a quarterback in the draft. For the Tennessee Titans, a delayed hire could mean missing out on top free agents or drafting a player who doesn’t fit the new coach’s system—setbacks that would prolong their rebuild. “We can’t afford to waste time,” Carthon said. “The new coach needs to be in place to shape our off-season strategy. Every day we wait is a day we fall behind division rivals like Jacksonville and Houston.” To meet this timeline, the Titans have scheduled final interviews with each candidate for the first week of January, with a decision expected shortly after.

Head Coach Search Narrows for the Tennessee Titans concludes with the stakes of the final decision, which will shape the franchise for years to come. A successful hire could turn the Titans from a 3-7 team into a playoff contender within two seasons, retain fan support, and potentially extend Henry’s tenure. A misstep, however, could leave the Titans stuck in mediocrity, alienate a fanbase already frustrated by recent struggles, and waste a prime opportunity to develop Levis (or a draft pick) into a franchise quarterback. The final decision will likely come down to which candidate the Titans believe can balance short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. Johnson offers the best chance to unlock the offense and win quickly; Macdonald could fix the defense and build a foundation for years; Reich provides stability and proven quarterback development. For the Tennessee Titans, there’s no perfect choice—but there is a choice that aligns best with their values and goals. “This is the most important hire we’ve made in a decade,” Strunk said. “We’re not just picking a coach—we’re picking the person who will lead this franchise back to winning. And we’re confident we’ll make the right decision.” As the final interviews approach, all eyes are on Nashville—waiting to see who will guide the Titans into their next chapter. In the end, the narrowed search is a sign that the Titans are closer to finding their next leader—and closer to reclaiming their place as a contender in the NFL.