Titans Cast a Wide Net in Head Coaching Search as John Harbaugh Emerges as Clear Priority
The Tennessee Titans have officially launched their head coaching search, moving aggressively just one day after the 2025 NFL regular season concluded. With organizational change underway and a general manager entering his second year on the job, the franchise is under pressure to accelerate its rebuild and establish long-term stability.
That urgency increased dramatically yesterday when longtime Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was officially dismissed, making one of the most accomplished coaches in modern NFL history immediately available. For the Titans, this development should fundamentally reshape their search strategy.
Harbaugh should be Tennessee’s unquestioned top priority.
Across 18 seasons as an NFL head coach, Harbaugh compiled a 180–113 regular-season record, a 13–11 postseason mark, and a Super Bowl championship. Sustained excellence at that level is rare in today’s NFL. His teams consistently competed for playoff positioning, developed an elite locker room culture, and adapted across multiple roster cycles and quarterback transitions.
For a Titans organization with a relatively new general manager still building his long-term infrastructure, Harbaugh represents stability, credibility, and proven leadership. He brings immediate authority to the building, a championship-level operational blueprint, and the ability to accelerate organizational alignment between personnel, coaching, and player development. Hiring a coach of Harbaugh’s caliber would instantly raise expectations inside the franchise and across the AFC South.
Tennessee is no longer searching simply for upside or potential. The opportunity to secure a proven winner in his prime fundamentally changes the calculus of this coaching cycle.
Beyond Harbaugh, the Titans continue to evaluate a deep and diverse slate of candidates.
Matt Nagy, Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs
Nagy remains a prominent candidate due to his strong connection with Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, who previously worked within Kansas City’s front office. That familiarity could streamline collaboration between the front office and coaching staff during a critical phase of roster development.
Nagy brings Super Bowl experience and an offensive background rooted in quarterback development and modern passing concepts. While his previous head coaching tenure in Chicago produced mixed results, his time in Kansas City has allowed him to recalibrate within one of the league’s most consistent offenses.
Lou Anarumo, Defensive Coordinator, Indianapolis Colts
Anarumo is widely respected for his defensive creativity and situational adaptability. His units are known for disguising coverage and creating matchup advantages against elite quarterbacks.
The primary evaluation question centers on offensive leadership and quarterback development, particularly given Tennessee’s expected priority of developing young quarterback Cam Ward. While Anarumo has not previously served as a head coach, organizational fit and leadership philosophy often weigh heavily in final decisions.
Mike McCarthy, Former Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
McCarthy remains one of the most accomplished veteran options available. A Super Bowl-winning head coach with extensive playoff experience, McCarthy offers proven program management and structural discipline.
His candidacy provides Tennessee with an alternative veteran pathway should the franchise prioritize immediate organizational stability rather than long-term coordinator development.
Jeff Hafley, Defensive Coordinator, Green Bay Packers
Hafley has quickly emerged as a respected defensive architect with strong player development credentials. His background includes collegiate head coaching experience and an emphasis on speed, discipline, and adaptability.
While still early in his tenure as an NFL coordinator, Hafley brings modern defensive concepts and high-energy leadership that appeal to teams seeking a cultural reset.
Robert Saleh, Defensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers
Saleh brings prior head-coaching experience and a reputation for culture-building, accountability, and defensive identity. His leadership presence resonates strongly within locker rooms.
If Tennessee prioritizes organizational identity and physicality, Saleh profiles as a credible culture architect with established leadership credibility.
Chris Shula, Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Shula continues to gain league-wide attention as one of the fastest-rising defensive coordinators. His experience within Sean McVay’s system has exposed him to elite organizational structure, innovation, and staff collaboration.
Though younger than most candidates, Shula represents long-term upside for a franchise willing to invest in developmental leadership.
Klint Kubiak, Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
Kubiak offers an offensive pedigree rooted in the Shanahan coaching tree, emphasizing efficiency, quarterback-friendly systems, and play-action structure. His resume includes quarterback development roles and multi-system experience.
If Tennessee seeks to establish a consistent offensive identity around its young talent, Kubiak offers schematic continuity and alignment with a modern system.
Vance Joseph, Defensive Coordinator, Denver Broncos
Joseph brings prior head coaching experience and extensive defensive leadership. His candidacy hinges on offensive staffing plans and quarterback development strategy as Tennessee continues to reshape its offense.
His familiarity with leadership dynamics and organizational management remains a positive asset.
Why Harbaugh Changes Everything for Tennessee
With a general manager still early in his tenure, the Titans face heightened pressure to establish credibility, operational clarity, and competitive direction quickly. Hiring an elite, proven head coach reduces organizational risk, stabilizes culture, and accelerates roster development.
John Harbaugh’s availability shifts the Titans from speculative upside candidates to a rare opportunity for transformational leadership. His track record of sustained winning, postseason success, and championship credibility aligns precisely with what Tennessee needs as it transitions into its next era.
If the Titans are serious about building a durable contender and maximizing their competitive window, securing Harbaugh should sit firmly at the top of their priority list as this coaching search unfolds.
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