NASHVILLE – The Super Bowl is now in the rear-view mirror.
Now, a new chase begins for teams across the NFL, including the Titans.
Everyone is 0-0 as of today.
A lot will transpire in the coming months, with free agency and the NFL Draft.
The NFL Combine is just two weeks away, in Indianapolis.
There's plenty to discuss, and we can do so in the latest edition of the Titans mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Ryder Carey from Aberdeen, South Dakota
Question: Hey Jim! Titans fan here from cold South Dakota. I became a fan when Vince Young was drafted, around 2004–2005, as I was just getting into football. I've been loyal to the Two-Tone Blue ever since. I've only been to Nissan Stadium once, but I'm already planning a new savings account to make the trip when the new stadium is built.
Overall, I've been really impressed with what I'm seeing from this team in recent decisions. I think Borgonzi is the guy at GM, and Chad Brinker deserves a lot of credit for bringing him into the organization. And now with Robert Saleh. I don't think he got a fair shake in New York with trying to develop Zach Wilson amid all the hype around Aaron Rodgers. His no-nonsense personality and intense energy seem like a perfect fit for this young team. While we should be patient, I wouldn't be surprised if the synergy clicks right away and this team is more competitive next year than many expect.
My question for you: One thing I really like about the new main faces of the organization is how their different backgrounds are blending into the team's vision. Brinker's time in Green Bay, Borgonzi's in KC, and now Saleh's work with Shanahan in San Francisco. Do you see any similarities in their team-building philosophies that we'll notice? Or is this going to be more of a unique blend of all three shaping the Titans back into winners?
Jim: Hey Ryder. Stay warm out there. We had a heck of a cold spell in Nashville a few weeks back, but I doubt we reached South Dakota cold. It's supposed to hit 70 today before it cools down a bit more.
Good observation by you on the different backgrounds, and they'll all bring something different from their past experiences. But it's not just the three you mentioned. Dave Ziegler and Reggie McKenzie from the front office bring different ideas as well. Same for Brian Daboll and Gus Bradley with the coaching staff. It will be up to all of these guys, and more, to build the Titans back into a winner. A lot of work needs to be done, but I think you saw in the league this year teams are capable of improving at a pretty rapid pace. I know folks in the building are hopeful the Titans can be one of the resurging teams in 2026.
Bob Easley from Austin, Texas
Question: Hey Jim, I would like to add my opinion about the Saleh hiring - specifically to address the opinion some are espousing that we are hiring another Vrabel type - almost as an admission that the Vrabel firing was a mistake. I don't think so.
Though Vrabel and Saleh seem to have similar personalities (fiery) and are defense minded - it's my thought (admittedly from afar) that the similarities end there.
First of all, I don't think anyone ever accused Vrabel of being a defensive genius or defensive scheme guru, but that's all we hear concerning Saleh. In fact, before the Titans made Vrabel the head coach, he was the DC for the Texans. As Texan DC, Vrabel's defense was one of the worst in the league. Contrast that with Saleh's much more extensive record of actual achievements as DC. Lastly on the point of Saleh being a much better defensive mind…it often seemed that the Titans would get beat in the 2nd half under Vrabel…the other team would outsmart us with halftime adjustments. I like our chances with Saleh in that regard.
Both Vrabel and Saleh are characterized as being "players coaches," but I think I see a difference. Vrabel is buddy, buddy with the players etc., but my sense is Saleh is developing the player and earning their respect in that way instead of just being their buddy…we will see.
I don't wish Vrabel any ill will, I just let his record with the Titans speak for itself - and it was a record of decline.
In fairness to Vrabel, maybe he learned some things from his first head coaching experience and maybe he is now a much better coach..., I hope so. And with that said, I'm believing Saleh will show us that he has learned from his first head coaching experience and because he has more substance when it comes to game plans and player development….I am bullish on the Saleh decision.
I close with poetry😀.
- The Titans will no longer seem sick
- because of new coaching, cap space and picks
- this new direction will be the fix
- and we will see it in 2026
the 2025 Titans are being fixed and we will see it in 2026.
Jim: Hey Bob. Nice stab at the poetry. 😊
You're right on Saleh – he arrives with even more of a reputation as a defensive guru than Vrabel had when he got to Tennessee. And, you're also right on this: The Titans didn't hire Saleh as a Vrabel replacement, or to try and find a guy like him. Saleh is his own guy, and he's going to have to prove he can build a winner – and keep the team there. That's not a challenge Vrabel faced in Tennessee. Vrabel took over a playoff team, a team with a lot of talent. Remember, his job was to take the team from good to great. And, he coached a team that was a contender for years. Then, things bottomed out under his watch, and he was fired. Saleh is taking over a team that's at the bottom, coming off back-to-back 3-14 seasons. He'll need to help lift the franchise up, and keep it from falling off a cliff like we saw with the 18 losses in 24 games in 2023 and 2024.
Eric Biederman from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Asking this post-DC hire. Now that we have our coordinators and position coaches sorted out(mostly), I think it's time to look towards the draft. Obviously we have a long way to go, with the combine and pro days ahead of us, there will be risers and fallers. But I am here to state my case for draft strategy.
In the first round, we should take Rueben Bain if he is available. He has solid production and truly influences games. If you watch the way he constantly influences every play, the way the quarterback needs to scheme around him, you'll be impressed. I know Cam needs a wide receiver 1 but I truly believe than Bain is the guy, and we can supplement WR1 through free agency. Wan'dale Robinson and Alec Pierce are solid options, and with defensive coaching in town, we can afford to not immediately prioritize receiver this draft. However, I do believe we should get Zachariah Branch or Chris Brazzel in later rounds. But the 2027 class is better for wrs anyway.
Thoughts? Cheers!
Jim: Hey Eric. I'm sure other Titans fans could get on board with this plan, although I'm not ready to commit to anything yet. Need to see how some of these guys test at the combine, and at their pro days. The Titans need help at edge rusher, cornerback and receiver, and plenty of it.
Chris Malone from Indianapolis, Indiana
Question: Hey Jim. Just wanted to comment on a couple of other posters comments. For what it's worth I shaved my head in 1994 as a 23-year-old on a dare. Haircuts were six dollars everywhere and I thought that was way too expensive at the time. I hear people pay over 30 bucks a haircut nowadays. The other fan that wrote and gave you a great suggestion. You ought to go for it. It's a worry, free style and awfully cool during those hot Tennessee afternoons! Join the club. Once you go shaved, you'll never go back!
Also, I will say in all fairness. If we're going to say that Coach Vrabel certainly wouldn't have "taken the 2025 team to the Super Bowl" which is obviously correct. I don't believe we can continually point out his record his last two years for the same reason. The same lack of talent that wouldn't have allowed him to take the 2025 team to the Super Bowl also had something to do with his record his last two years. We should be fair about that. With all of that said, you are right that it is time to move on from the past in many ways. Last year's draft class was very successful. And the new coaching hires should also be very successful. Things are looking up in Nashville and I can't wait to see how the next few years pan out.
Jim: Hey Chris. You're never going to talk me into shaving my head. 😊 The bald look is terrible with a visor, plus I want to keep my hair as long as I can. I'll worry about the gray coming in, and it seems to be doing so more each day. As for Vrabel, I've said before I always liked him. He's a good coach, probably the best I've covered with the Titans to date. But, unlike some others who want to look back at his tenure like he'd earned Belichick status here, I'm not going to do it. I will always point out his record in his final two seasons in Tennessee, because that's a big part of why he got fired.
Luke Roberts from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, first time writing in, with FA around the corner I see a lot of people on social media saying we are "in the market for a WR1" id assume most everyone is... With the list of upcoming potential free agents seemingly growing smaller and smaller, what are your thoughts on a trade for Marvin Harrison Jr though very unlikely. I know its far fetched but something seems off in AZ, do you even think they would be willing to listen to a trade? Much less the titans actually offering one with Borgonzi's philosophy. We appreciate the work you do Jim have a good one!!
Jim: Hey Luke. I'm not supposed to speculate on players under contract for other teams. I've been told, because I work for the team, I could get in trouble for tampering. … I will say the player you mentioned has been underwhelming in his first few years in the league, and not sure I'd go there, to be honest.
Neil Carr from Bingley, United Kingdom
Question: Please please someone explain why Cam Ward was not selected to the Pro Bowl? Now, I'm not saying he genuinely should have been selected (the selection process is nothing short of a joke at times) BUT how Shadeur (I only played a few games due to how bad the other QBs were) Sanders and Joe (I'm drawing my pension) Flacco were selected ahead of someone who started EVERY game as a rookie AND improved dramatically in the 2nd half of the season is beyond me. Jim...it's laughable. How has Burrow been selected?...HE WAS OUT INJURED FOR 3 MONTHS!!!!! When there are guys like Cam, Rodgers...even Tua...these all should have been chosen ahead of the 3 names due to how much they played. It's not really a Pro Bowl anymore...it's now a mish mash of whoever can or wants to play!!! Laughable!!!
Jim: Hey Neil. Cam wasn't eligible for the Pro Bowl because he was injured at the end of the season. I wouldn't waste too much energy worrying about that, though. The experience would have been cool for Cam, but I'm sure he'd rather earn in fair and square rather than be named as a sixth or seventh alternate.
Tyler McFarland from Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Question: Hi Jim. Been a Titans fan since my childhood and hope to make it to Nissan Stadium in its final season. Seeing rumors on social media about a potential logo change. Do you have any information on that you can share or comment on?
Jim: Hi Tyler. It's not something I can comment on at the moment…
Josh Carter from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: Jim, I hope your power is back on and everyone is doing well! What a week! After the introductory press conference for Coach Saleh, I'm wondering if you think I should buy plane tickets for L.A. for Super Bowl 61 or wait and drive to Super Bowl 62 in Atlanta, or both? I'm feeling pretty optimistic. Titan Up!
Jim: Hey Josh. Power is back. I like your optimism!
Luis Macouzet from Victoria, Mexico
Question: He was fired after winning Coach of the Year.
Two years later, he led the worst team in the NFL to the Super Bowl.
Mike Vrabel: Don't expect those who let you go to admit their mistake.
Be ready for when the world opens its doors to you again.
Because sometimes, the worst year of your life is the perfect training ground for your best.
Don't give up.
Jim: I'll let you give Mike Vrabel his flowers if you want, Luis. He did a great job with the Patriots this past year. But let's also tell it like it is here: The Patriots faced one of the easiest schedules in NFL history this season, with opponents combining for a .391 winning percentage. Their playoff path to the Super Bowl was pretty easy as well, including an AFC Championship matchup against a QB who hadn't thrown a pass in years. On Sunday, they got exposed in a blowout loss to the Seahawks. Let's see how things go for the Patriots next year when their schedule gets harder, and the competition gets better. The hunch here is the Vrabel "told you so" emails will suddenly dry up. If I'm wrong, feel free to remind me this time next year.
Ben Mead from Cooperstown, New York
Question: Hey Jim. With the addition of Gus Bradley to this this group are the Titans quietly putting together one of the best and most accomplished coaching staffs in the league?
Jim: It's a veteran staff, that's for sure. The problem Brian Callahan made was hiring three first-time coordinators in his first year as a head coach. Robert Saleh hired two former head coaches (OC Brian Daboll and DC Gus Bradley) and he retained a veteran in special teams coordinator John Fassel. It's a big plus for the organization.
Carlos Perez from Columbus, Indiana
Question: Hi Jim, hope all is going well after the storms! Not a question — just writing to say that I'm very happy with the hiring of Saleh and Daboll, and even happier that Saleh is keeping Bones Fassell. I'm hoping for Cam's quick recovery. Titan Up!
Jim: Good to hear from you, Carlos.
Have a great week everyone!
