NASHVILLE – The coaching search continues for the Tennessee Titans.
Last week, the team interviewed seven candidates for the position.
This week, the interviews continue, and there will be a bunch of them.
I'll do my best to answer questions during this stretch, but keep in mind I can't really divulge any inside information, there's some stuff I haven't been clued in on, and I'm aware my opinions don't amount to much compared to the folks actually making the decision.
But I'll do my best while saying I hope the team will get it right this time.
And, thanks to all those who continue to share their thoughts, and wish lists…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Art Carr from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Not a question but a Wish List
Head Coach: John Harbaugh
Offensive Coordinator: Mike McCoy
QB Coach: Hardegree
Line Coach: Mike Munchak
Special Teams: Bones Fassel
Keep continuity to support Cam Ward's on-going development and recognize improvement and cooperative coaching in last half of season. One thing I liked was the way Fassel was often seen "whispering in the ear of McCoy during critical parts of the game - often BEFORE a decision had to be made.
Munchak volunteered to come back and Coach the line before Bill Callahan became available... time to take him up on the offer!
Lastly this would give a heckuva proven Head Coach with an additional brain trust of 3 former Head Coaches. Maybe, they could put together some winning game plans!
Go Titans!
Jim: Appreciate it, Art. We'll see how all this plays out. I'm sure there are some out there that would endorse this list, and others who would make a few adjustments …
Bob Easley from Austin, Texas
Question: Jim, the Titans have such an opportunity for a proven quality guy, one of the top coaches of the past 15+ years, so this is what I might do if I was Mike Borgonzi. I say "might" because I recognize my limited knowledge of ALL the possible Titan head coach possibilities…but now there is a chance to add a mature, proven coach to add the stability and championship potential to the Titans…
Here's the idea.
I'd call John Harbaugh immediately and say the Titan head coach job is his for the taking and if he would quickly come to Nashville SO HE CAN INTERVIEW US, he will hear our vision for the future and if he wants the job…it's his!!! AND once he accepts, he can take a 30-day paid vacation from the NFL to decompress, relax and unwind and we'll see him when he returns.
John Harbaugh could be to the Titans, what Andy Reid has been to the Chiefs! Let's go for this.
End of plan
Jim: Interesting idea, Bob especially the 30-day paid vacation part. I like Harbaugh myself, for obvious reasons. And, in the past he's talked glowingly about this part of the country. Remember, his father, Jack, was the long-time head coach at Western Kentucky, which is just up the road in Bowling Green, about an hour away. It sounds like Harbaugh is doing his homework, and the process is heating up. Judging from what's out there, it feels like the Titans are in play for him. But a lot will depend on what he wants to do.
Harry Prentiss from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Question: Jim, first of all Belated Happy New Year. Also I wish to thank you for all you do to keep all fans, especially those of us far from Nashville so well informed. My question is how do you see the Titans filling the holes? With how good a draft class last year I have great faith in the newly structured front office to continue building there but we've got a lot cap space so what areas do you think free agents will be targeted?
Jim: Happy New Year Harry! The biggest needs, in my opinion, are at cornerback, edge rusher and receiver. These could be filed in free agency and the draft. But there are holes all over the roster, and areas that need more depth, and better depth.
Lamont Simpson from West Bloomfield, Michigan
Question: Jim, What is your thoughts about the Titans doing their best to hire John Harbaugh as head coach and Mike McDaniel as OC? I think they would be a great combination for the Titans for many years. Harbaugh would be excellent for stability at the head coaching position for many years. Mike McDaniel with his great offensive mind would be perfect for the development of Cam Ward and the offense.
Jim: Well, I wouldn't hate it. But there are potentially some other intriguing combos, too.
Jeremy Main from Kingman, Arizona
Question: I don't have a question, I have a statement. I have been a fan since I was 8 years old and they were the Oilers in 1978. They need to pick Arvell Reese out of Ohio State with the 4th pick in the draft. It will help transform our defense and Oladejo, last year's 2nd round pick, will come alive. Especially if they use the second round pick on the best cornerback available. After that there will be plenty of great wide receivers left in the 3rd and 4th round like number 10 who plays for Miami University and more. They loaded up on offense last draft, this time, they need to load up on defense! Your loyal fan Jeremy Main Sr.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Jeremy.
Jason Vesely from Mosinee, Wisconsin
Question: What are the chances of the Titans bringing in Chris Shula, the Rams DC as the new HC? I really believe the coaching search started already back in September back in week 2, when the Titans played the Rams, that Borgonzi may have prepared to make an interview request to get Shula in the building. 39 years old is a defensive whiz, is a great communicator can connect with players, while solely known for strengths on the defensive side of the ball, but paired with a strong OC he could develop knowledge on the offensive side of the ball. the Titans history with the head coach, the best jobs the organization had as far as success was a defensive coach. Bum Phillips was a DC, so was Jeff Fisher, and Mike Vrabel, and they all had winning records. What is the best thing to build around Cam Ward? A solid defense that can get stops and force turnovers, and give Cam opportunities to make big plays. In the draft that linebacker/edge from Ohio State, Arvell Reese, is exactly what the Titans need. Shula is the right coach, I believe for the Titans.
Jim: Hey Jason. Well, I've seen Shula's name tossed out there, along with about 17 others. So far, the Titans have only confirmed seven interviews so far – Matt Nagy, Steve Spagnuola, Vance Joseph, Lou Anarumo, Kevin Stefanski, Mike McCoy, and Jason Garrett. I know more are coming in, because I've seen them in the building. The second wave of interviews won't be announced until the end of the week, however. I don't have a problem with the team hiring a defensive coach, whether it's Shula or someone else. I liked Mike MacDonald in the last hiring cycle, and look what he's done. The key, if a defensive guy is hired, is for a good offensive coordinator to be hired with him.
Tony Capp from Brentwood, Tennessee
Question: As of (now), the Titans have requested interviews with 16 coaches, and there are some new names that just came available. I'm not criticizing Mike's approach; if you don't talk to someone, you'll never know what they may have to offer. Jim, pretty old, but I don't remember any NFL team having this many interviews, do you?
PS: Those beat the Freak contests had to be a lot of fun to do.
Jim: Hey Tony. I can't think of a time so many guys have been in the mix. The team interviewed 11 guys back in 2024, when Brian Callahan was hired. Keep in mind the team could be interviewing some of these guys with the thought they could become coordinators …
Ian Wilson from Taylorville, Illinois
Question: Hey Mr. Wyatt. It's obviously disheartening seeing the season start and end the way it did, especially w the new mentality the NFL has about success. I think we all can agree at this point giving up on Vrabel… when we had a new GM.
I can say I've seen this model never work in the past, being I used to be a Dolphins fan (94-2012), but switched teams once the referee strike happened in 2012.. but the process I saw then was head coach change, GM change almost yearly.
If you look at long term success, you have to stay the course for years and be able to handle a losing season every once in a while. Realistically, there are 31 losing teams in the NFL each year, and with player injury being concerns, player performance being another.. it makes it difficult to win every year unless you have a a defense that shows up every year and an offensive line that can create holes/time.
We all saw flickers of light with Cam Ward, but with out an offensive line that can create more run game and keep him out of scrambling almost every play, it doesn't seem we're going to give any chance for a qb to become successful.. let alone the team.
So, the questions are; Do we see the much-needed hole needing filled in our offensive line? And do they plan on filling void like the Bears did this year and showed VAST improvement from season to season. Also, does upper management plan on sticking through a few years to build a team and identity, without giving up hope on long term direction? It's just sad to see a cycle between coaches and GMs every other year. It'll never get anyone on the same page..
I know Titan fans have found last few seasons as horrible as I have, but I think everyone is ready for some stability in keeping a culture if we can see some improvement year to year. Or at th very least get rid of both coach and GM at the same time. So they can start on same page without mismatched agenda or direction.
What other holes do you see needing to be filled for next year to show vast improvement quickly? What kind of culture are they trying to promote inside going forward? (Winning being the obvious formula, but I feel it starts w discipline, direction, and stability).
Thanks Jim, for taking time to answer question and listen to us all vent.. it's nicer when it's good and better when it's great. I think all of us hope for that stability and see our team grow next year and give us a strong beginning and end to next year.
Jim: Hi Ian. Appreciate the feedback.
The answers are: Yes, I see the offensive line being addressed. … The thinking is the team is capable of taking a big jump in 2026, if the right players are picked in free agency and the draft. Still, the the focus will remain on long-term goals. … The GM is in place, and it's now up to him to hire the right head coach. … As I mentioned previously, I think the biggest needs are cornerback, receiver, edge rusher.
Wes White from Montana
Question: Hey Jim! Howdy from Montana again! Hope all is well and you're getting a little R and R now that the post season is on and we are clearly not involved other than our bad**s probowlers!! Lets go Jeff and Chimere! A lot to celebrate there!
Anywho, I realize mine and every other fans opinions have little bearing on outcomes of corporate decisions, but please tell me our "newly aligned" front office is smart enough NOT to hire Harbaugh or Lafleur or any other coach that was unlucky enough to get canned after this season. For the love of the Lord, find a young, up and coming defensive minded coach and add a brilliant OC to go along with it. Unless Harbaugh is going to bring #22 back home where he belongs I truly hope the news like most these days, is BS and speculative that he may be an option. ( and quite honestly, Im not sure Derrick coming home would justify Harbaugh being hired!) We need to move forward not backwards with has beens. Although, I really don't put LaFleur in that category and hope he keeps his job at Green Bay. Look at the coaches involved in the current playoff pic and its clear the NFL is headed in a new direction. We need to be progressive and think outside the box. Just my two cents for the new year, Titan Up Yall!
Jim: Hey Wes. Hope all is well in Montana, one of my favorite places to disappear. … I love hearing all the opinions, which is going to guarantee when a new head is named, some will love the hire, and others will hate it. Personally, I wouldn't put Harbaugh on LaFleur in the "has been category." I think both of them will have continued success, it's just a matter of where.
Have a great week everyone!
