The Tennessee Titans fired general manager Ran Carthon on Tuesday following a disappointing season, which ended with the team's record at 3-14 and earned them the No. 1 overall pick for the 2025 NFL Draft.
"It's impossible to ignore our football team hasn't improved over the past two years," said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. Her statement reflected her deep concern over the team's win-loss record, admitting, "I am deeply disappointed in our poor win-loss record during this period." The Titans have now amassed just 9 wins against 25 losses during Carthon's tenure.
Carthon, who was hired after the Titans made the mid-season decision to fire former general manager Jon Robinson, seeks to reshape the club's culture but has faced challenges seen during this last season. Expected changes within the organization will position president of football operations Chad Brinker to lead the search for Carthon's successor, with Brian Callahan remaining as head coach.
Brinker, who joined the Titans as assistant general manager before rising to his current role, expressed the need for clear criteria when finding the next general manager. "What we'll be looking for is someone who has spent their career as a scout, is a top-flight evaluator who has spent the majority of their career projecting college players to the NFL," he stated. Brinker will now have final say over all football matters, including roster decisions. "It is important to [owner] Amy [Adams Strunk] to have absolute clarity in the football organization," he added.
The Titans' struggles this season climaxed with six straight losses, significantly affecting their playoff hopes after starting off strong. The team's performance has triggered reactions both from within the organization and observers outside, with Strunk echoing the sentiment felt by fans: "We know this level of performance isn't acceptable. We're humbled by your support as we continue to work toward building the team you expect and deserve," she said.
Throughout Carthon's two seasons, the Titans witnessed numerous challenges, including disappointing draft years and decisions, such as acquiring quarterback Will Levis without the expected development. The 2024 season, culminating with their 3-14 record, placed them last within the AFC South and contributed to the urgency for leadership changes.
Reflecting on his connection with Carthon, Strunk remarked, "I've loved the time I've spent with Ran. He's a talented football mind, a great man, and friend to everyone along his path," recognizing the decisions made were not personal but were driven by necessity. The Titans now look forward through the lens of rebuilding, with new leadership on the horizon.
Strunk emphasized areas requiring focus, stating transparency and accountability remain at the forefront of priorities as the Titans prepare for the NFL Draft, where significant talent can be added to the roster, particularly concerning the quarterback position. The future general manager, who will enter with favorable conditions—holding the top pick and with substantial salary cap space—will be expected to navigate through the complexity of rebuilding this roster by not merely acquiring talent but also fostering development.
Burke Nihill, the Titans president and CEO, reinforced the business's nature during this transition, adding, "At the end of the day, this is a results-oriented business." Nihill's comments highlight the importance of finding new talent, assessing team performance, and balancing the needs of immediate victories with long-term sustainability for the franchise's future.
The Titans' future at this pivotal moment will rely both on the strong messages from ownership and on the revised leadership structure headed by Brinker. The franchise aims to restore competitive edge and accountability, as Strunk and her team seek to reclaim pride among their supporters after years of inconsistency on the field.