The Tennessee Titans have reportedly identified four candidates to be their next defensive coordinator. It will be a non-play-calling role under new head coach Robert Saleh, who plans to call defensive plays. Two of the candidates have ties to Saleh, while the other two previously worked with Titans GM Mike Borgonzi.
That’s probably not a coincidence. The Titans have also satisfied the Rooney Rule requirements, according to Paul Kuharksy. That means Saleh could hire a defensive coordinator whenever
a decision is reached. We’ve ranked the four candidates from best to worst.
Al Harris
Al Harris is the current Chicago Bears defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. He helped former Titans safety Kevin Byard lead the NFL in interceptions this season. Harris interviewed for the Packers and Cowboys DC vacancies, but ultimately lost out to other candidates. He’s viewed as a rising coach around the league. He spent years alongside Borgonzi in Kansas City.
Dino Vasso
The 38-year-old Dino Vasso is currently the Houston Texans’ defensive backs coach. He’s helped develop a number of young DBs in Houston including Derek Stingley Jr, Jalen Pitre, Calen Bullock, and Kamari Lassiter. Vasso’s mentors include Jim Schwartz, Matt Burke, and DeMeco Ryans. That’s impressive! He worked with Borgonzi (2013-15) in KC, and the Titans would be stealing a good coach from their rival Texans.
Mike Rutenberg
Atlanta Falcons defensive passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg is probably a very serious candidate. He worked with Saleh in three different stops with the Jaguars, 49ers, and Jets. Rutenberg currently works under Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich, who was Saleh’s DC with the Jets. There are significant ties here.
Aaron Whitecotton
Aaron Whitecotton was the first known candidate. Like Rutenberg, he worked with Saleh in three different stops with the 49ers, Jets, and Jaguars. Whitecotton, currently employed by the Dallas Cowboys, also coaches with Borgonzi’s brother and Cowboys linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi.
