The Tennessee Titans are on the hunt for a new general manager following the firing of Ran Carthon, as the team's performance has raised concerns among leadership.
Carthon was dismissed on Tuesday after two seasons leading the Titans' front office, during which the team faltered with a dreadful 9-25 record. The culmination of this disappointing tenure was the Titans' abysmal 3-14 performance this past season, which earned them the first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Chad Brinker, who was appointed president of football operations just last year, has been entrusted by owner Amy Adams Strunk to spearhead the search for Carthon’s replacement. This move reflects Strunk's desire for clarity and strong leadership within the organization. Titans CEO Burke Nihill emphasized, "It is important to Amy to have absolute clarity in the football organization," highlighting the necessity of defined roles within the team's hierarchy.
After having previously been Carthon's right-hand man and assistant GM, Brinker finds himself at the forefront of the franchise at this pivotal moment. He stated, "At the end of the day, this person is going to be all ball, all day. They are going to focus on the roster and the coaching staff, and I'll continue in my role with handling all the other areas surrounding the center of your program." This makes it clear Brinker is still focused on supporting the new hire.
Brinker indicated he is aiming for "a diverse pool of candidates" to fill the vacant general manager position, ensuring he isn’t limited to up-and-coming talents or former GMs. He intends to allow the new GM to devise strategies for the draft and free agency, yet he will remain heavily involved as the key decision-maker on all football matters, as stated by Nihill.
The Titans’ search for leadership does come during a turbulent time as speculation rises about potential candidates who could fill the role. A list of early frontrunners has emerged, showcasing individuals with solid football backgrounds who might bring fresh perspectives to the Titans' operations.
Among the early candidates are:
- Ray Agnew, currently the assistant GM with the Detroit Lions, carries experience from his successful tenure overseeing the pro personnel department for the Los Angeles Rams during their ascent.
- Mike Borgonzi, assistant GM for the Kansas City Chiefs, is celebrated for his contributions to the Chiefs’ recent success, making him another valuable candidate.
- Thomas Dimitroff, the former Atlanta Falcons GM, holds a wealth of experience and success, having guided the Falcons to six playoff appearances during his 13 years with the team.
- Trey Brown, from the Cincinnati Bengals, offers invaluable insights thanks to his previous work alongside Titans head coach Brian Callahan.
- Khai Harley, assistant GM at the New Orleans Saints, is noted for his innovative approaches to managing the salary cap and ensuring competitiveness.
These names, among others, will provide Titans fans with hope as they seek out the necessary changes to reinvigorate the team’s fortunes after consecutive last-place finishes in the AFC South.
With the experience and fresh ideas these candidates possess, it is hoped the Titans will find someone capable of reversing their current course and leveraging the top draft pick to build both immediate success and long-term stability.
Brinker concluded with the words, "We are looking for a general manager who wakes up every day and is focused on building the team." For Titans fans, the search is now on as the organization aims to reinvigorate its direction and pursue victory once again.