Reports on social media on Friday afternoon indicated that the Tennessee Titans are restructuring their front office, with duties changing among the executives. Adam Schefter of ESPN was among the first to break the news on Friday. This restructuring of duties was long-awaited by NFL executives, coaches, and fans, who had expressed consternation about the power dynamics in Nashville. The move allows GM Mike Borgonzi to fully shape the ongoing coaching search in his own image. President of Football Operations Chad Brinker will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of football operations.
Tennessee has restructured its front office to have Titans GM Mike Borgonzi spearhead the team’s head coaching search and control the team’s 53-man roster. He now will report directly to Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk. Chad Brinker will continue to oversee the salary cap, research…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 2, 2026
Tennessee Titans Provide Clarity In Front Office ‘Restructuring’
The organization released a statement detailing the changes made by owner Amy Adams Strunk, as outlined below.
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) January 2, 2026
GM Mike Borgonzi leads the coaching search and the other offseason processes, while Brinker manages day-to-day operations. Both individuals will report to Adams Strunk separately to avoid miscommunication or unforced errors. The change in structure moves the head coach’s reporting chain to Borgonzi, then MB to Brinker, and ultimately to this new method. Presumably, the head coach’s office remains under Borgonzi’s sphere of influence. The new structure allows both men to do what they’re good at, rather than under a unitary chain of command.
How does this affect the coaching search?
The restructuring clarifies for prospective coaches who their immediate supervisor will be, rather than leaving a muddled power structure. As mentioned earlier, this hire is on Borgonzi’s shoulders as he’s deemed the leader of the search. Multiple candidates who possess varying levels of coaching experience are on the interview list. The most significant benefit of the Titans’ front office structure is the clear delineation of authority and reporting lines. There’s no going behind another executive’s back to plant seeds of betrayal. Tennessee’s search is expected to be a broad one, but efficient in its execution.
Who will be on the head coach search committee?
Brinker, Assistant GM Dave Ziegler, VP/Football Advisor Reggie McKenzie, and VP of Player Personnel Dave Saganey join Borgonzi in the effort. McKenzie and Ziegler were considered potential general manager candidates before Borgonzi received the call in 2025. The list of candidates the Titans request interviews with will be a good indication of where they are leaning. Ziegler, McKenzie, and Brinker bring extensive experience, so the names connected to the job will vary significantly.
Who could be on the list of candidates?
Frequently mentioned targets include Rams DC Chris Shula, Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, and Packers DC Jeff Hafley. Broncos DC Vance Joseph lurks in the background as a shadow candidate, but his work with Denver’s defense should bring him to the forefront. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports that the Titans could be interested in 49ers DC Robert Saleh. If the defensive minds can convince the head coach search committee that they can bring in a strong OC to pair with Cam Ward, they’ll have a good shot. Saleh’s tenure with the Jets should be discounted due to the horrendous tumult that constantly surrounds that franchise. Joseph’s first stint as head coach didn’t go as planned, so teams will question him to see if he learned anything. Could there be a surprise candidate that no one knows about and lands the job?
What role will Amy Adams Strunk play?
According to Paul Kuharsky, owner Amy Adams Strunk will monitor the first round of interviews but will not participate. She will make her entrance into the process during the in-person round with the members of the search committee. Adams Strunk operated in the same manner during Borgonzi’s hiring process last January. Which candidates who move on to the second round of interviews will get her “blessing”?