The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of their head coaching search. There have been eight reported candidates who will either interview virtually or in person with Tennessee this week. Additional candidates are expected to be interviewed by GM Mike Borgonzi once they’re eliminated from the postseason.
Early indications are that the Titans may be prioritizing previous head coaching experience. That would make sense considered they got burned badly by a first-timer in Brian Callahan. Thus far, seven
of the eight reported candidates are retreads.
The majority of these candidates possess the definition of experience. Matt Nagy coached over 60 games in Chicago. Steve Spagnuolo has coached over 50 games at two different spots (interim stint included). Kevin Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year winner. Vance Joseph took charge of the Denver Broncos for two seasons. Mike McCoy is a courtesy throw-in, but obviously has experience. Raheem Morris is technically interviewing for his fourth opportunity if you include an interim stint.
In fact, the only non-retread candidate doesn’t exactly qualify as a risky first-timer. Lou Anarumo is a 59-year-old defensive coordinator who began coaching in 1989. Anarumo isn’t exactly the next Sean McVay, but he’s probably not the next Callahan either, and that appears to be key to the Titans’ search.
Perhaps the Titans will still speak with, and maybe even hire, an inexperienced candidate. The best ones are coaching in the playoffs. Chris Shula, Jesse Minter, and Jeff Hafley are expected to be candidates once the Titans can formally request to interview them.
There are other indications that the Titans are prioritizing experience though. According to public record, they have not requested to interview Klint Kubiak, Davis Webb, or Anthony Weaver. Those are first-time candidates who are interviewing elsewhere this cycle. Kubiak is especially popular, with 4+ interviews scheduled. Interesting!
Another retread candidate the Titans should possess interest in speaking with is Robert Saleh. He’s currently coaching in the playoffs with the San Francisco 49ers. Additional retread candidates should include John Harbaugh and Mike McCarthy, based on the Titans’ early criteria.
