Earlier this week, the Tennessee Titans announced the hiring of Dave Gardi as new executive vice president of football operations. Though his title is different, Gardi will essentially replace Chad Brinker, who left the team in late April. This appointment essentially confirms Amy Adams Strunk’s belief in the current front-office structure.
Gardi joins the Titans after most recently spending the previous two campaigns with the Washington Commanders in a similar front-office role. Prior to his time
with the Commanders, Gardi spent 21 years at the NFL league office in a variety of capacities. In the Titans’ release, it claims Gardi will oversee football administration, strategy and analytics, research, information systems, video, equipment, team operations, and security.
Those are a lot of the same duties Brinker held once Borgonzi gained complete control over the roster and personnel decisions. Losing Brinker risked putting too much of these non-football responsibilities on Borgonzi’s plate. Hiring Gardi ensures that won’t happen, allowing Borgonzi to focus on improving the football team. Again, it also proves Adams Strunk isn’t changing direction, but is rather doubling down on a front-office structure she believes works, even without Brinker present.
It also should squash any concerns over constant change in the front office and power struggles. Gardi has a decorated background in legal, policy, football initiatives, salary cap (CBA), and other business-related areas relating to football. He doesn’t appear to be pursuing a GM-like role. Brinker was very much interested in roles that relate to player acquisition.
Gardi will answer directly to Borgonzi. There’s no questioning who sits atop the Titans’ front-office structure below ownership. Borgonzi has been empowered by Adams Strunk to run the football team. We’ve seen her change her mind before, but Gardi’s hiring is a double down on believing in both Borgonzi and a power structure she believes works.
Hopefully the Titans continue rowing the boat in the same direction. Continuity brings success.
