NASHVILLE – I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.
Now, it's back to football (not that it ever went away), and the New Orleans Saints are up next for the Titans.
Two games remain in the 2025 season.
Let's dive back into the mailbag and see what's inside …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Micah McKamey from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, very optimistic about the future of the Titans right now, and I wanted to ask, are you allowed to say anything outside of what Borgonzi has said to the media about the Titans' head coaching search? If so, could you tell us what you know?
Jim: Hey Micah. Well, Borgonzi hasn't really said anything about the search itself. The last time he spoke publicly was right after the NFL trading deadline last month. I can tell you work has been done in recent weeks getting ready for the search, and studying the candidates. My expectation is that some interviews will begin soon, and things will really get ramped up when the season ends next weekend. When Brian Callahan was hired, the team interviewed 11 candidates, and three others were interviewed a second time before the decision was made. When Borgonzi was hired as general manager, 10 candidates were interviewed, before six took part in a second round of interviews. I suspect the process is just as extensive this time around, but the franchise does have a head start.
Andy Rao from Arlington, Virginia
Question: Observations- Browns through Chiefs.
Jim, thanks for doing this. It helps keep Titans fans like me sane. First question. I know I've called Coach McCoy derisively 'The Substitute Teacher', but the team really seems to be playing hard for him. In this three game stretch, the running game has looked better, the O-line play has improved, Cam has improved his play and more importantly ball security, special teams has gotten better (a partial punt block on Sunday against the Chiefs & Dike is just plain dangerous back there), and the defense despite its cobbled together back-end has stepped up and made impact plays here and there. I might have to retire 'The Substitute Teacher' moniker. Has McCoy coached his way into consideration as a permanent choice for next year and beyond. And would he be interested? Of course, the freedom to coach the way he does might be rooted in the fact that he knows he's not coming back. He still is a bit too conservative for my tastes, but that is something that he could adapt to, I think. Second, what is Okonkwo's status after this year. Will the Titans have to break the bank to keep him? Is he still under contract? I just love the two TEs sets that the team runs with him and Helm. It's a mess for other defenses to deal with and it opens up the field for the WRs. He may be the second best RAC guy after Dike. I think that it would be a serious mistake to let him go. And lastly, after seeing most of our rookie class in action for this year, how do you grade Borgonzi's first draft. Apparently, 11 rookies have had significant amounts of snaps this year. Based on that, and the fact that all fourth rounders appear to be keepers/starters, I'd give him an A-.
Jim: Hi Andy. No question Mike McCoy has done a great job keeping this team together, and guys are playing hard for him. He inherited a mess, and things have gotten better. Mike is a high-energy, positive guy and he's kept things together. Has everything been perfect? No. But he deserves a lot of credit. With that said, and someone asked me this last week, too, I don't think he's going to be the permanent replacement. I expect the hire to come from the outside. That doesn't mean some assistants currently on the staff, and I'm not specifically talking about McCoy, won't be given an opportunity to remain in some capacity. A lot depends on who is hired as the new HC ... As for Okonkwo, his contract is set to expire in March 2026.
Joe Levickis from Joelton, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Boy, Sunday was a lot of fun. It had been SOOOO long since I felt that good leaving Nissan Stadium. Over a year, to be exact!
I just wanted to write in and congratulate Chimere Dike and Big Jeff. Both earned well deserved pro bowl nods, and I think the best is yet to come.
However, I will have to admit that I was a little disappointed Cedric Gray wasn't given the nod. Do you think he might have a shot as an alternate once other guys decline their invites or make the Super Bowl?
Jim: Hope all is well, Joe. Cedric got some recognition from fans during the voting process, and that was cool to see. He's had a really good year. I noticed Azeez Al-Shaair (Texans) and Roquan Smith (Ravens) were the two ILBs named Pro Bowlers. I expect those guys to go, unless they're in the Super Bowl.
Eli Patnesky from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim, I know the Tyreek Hill idea was not the best, besides he is not as fast or athletic as he use to be, but I have a new question: Who are we thinking of taking in the draft. I am assuming we will take and quality EDGE rusher, but I just wanted to know what your thoughts are. Hope the Titans finish the season off strong. TITAN UP
Jim: Hey Eli. I appreciate it. Way too early to know who the team might be taking in the draft. Right now, we don't know where the Titans will even be picking, and we really don't know everyone who will be available, how these guys do in the NFL Combine/Pro Day process. I've said before I consider edge, cornerback and receiver among the biggest needs, but there are a lot of holes to fill.
Alexander Nazerias from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Im really starting to get excited about our young core of players! I am seeing some real progress these past few weeks. I know the number one priority is to win but my question for you is a little more on the less consequential side. Do you think there is any chance the team will bring back the Oiler throwbacks. I personally love them and think they are a great way to honor our past. I think the majority of the fanbase agrees with me and I really hope they might reconsider bringing them back. If the reason for their retirement, like some rumors have been saying, is because the new uniforms are very similar to the throwbacks, then I would still ask if it would be possible to incorporate one of the other oilers uniforms into a throwback option (it is such a great part of our history and arguably the best uniform in NFL history it would be such a shame not to get to see them in action at least once a year). Thanks and TITAN UP!
Jim: Hi Alexander. I sure enjoyed my trip to Knoxville on November 29. … As for the Oilers throwbacks, I haven't heard any buzz about the team wearing them again. I have heard a lot of uniform buzz, but a lot TBD.
Bear Butler from Somerville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. CBS aired the Titans Chiefs game. The Titans game this holiday weekend will be on CBS, but guess what? They are going to broadcast the f'ing Steelers Browns game. Local channels have ruined this football season. IDGAF the Titans are having a bad season they are still the home team and should be on TV in Tennessee!
Ps: It was nice to see them win against the Chiefs it just sucks for their draft position.
Jim: Give 'em hell, Bear. … I can promise you these players don't care about the draft position.
Richard Robles from Springfield, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. The Titans might get another win and we could beat the New Orleans Saints next week as we will be laser focused on beating the New Orleans Saints next week.
Hopefully Cam Ward will get another performance of the lifetime.
Tennessee Titans Keys To The Game Against New Orleans Saints.
1. Cam Ward needs to run the ball in this game.
2. Stop Tyler Shough by having Jeffrey Simmons sacking the Saints QB.
3. Tony Pollard needs to run to go Beast Mode to get through the Saints Defenders.
Thanks! Titan Up!
Jim: Good plan, Richard!
Have a great weekend everyone!
