Robert Saleh Expected to Take Over as Tennessee Titans Head Coach
The Tennessee Titans appear ready to make a significant coaching change. Multiple reports indicate the team will hire Robert Saleh as their new head coach. This move comes after a challenging 2025 season for the Titans organization.
Titans' Coaching Turmoil in 2025
Tennessee struggled throughout the 2025 NFL season. The team fired head coach Brian Callahan midway through the year after a disappointing 1-5 start. Interim head coach Mike McCoy then took over for the remainder of the season.
The Titans finished with a combined record of 5-23 under both coaches. This poor performance clearly prompted the organization to seek new leadership for the 2026 season and beyond.
Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward commented on working with McCoy during the 2025 season. "I have developed a good relationship with coach McCoy since the pre-draft process," Ward said in October 2025. "And I think his history with other top quarterbacks will benefit me over the rest of my rookie season."
Saleh's Rocky Tenure with the New York Jets
Robert Saleh brings both experience and controversy to his new role. He served as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 through 2024. His time with the Jets ended abruptly after just five games in the 2024 season.
Saleh compiled a 20-36 record during his tenure with the Jets. The team struggled particularly during quarterback Aaron Rodgers' two seasons under Saleh's leadership.
Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in 2023, and the Jets finished with a 7-10 record. The 2024 season proved even more difficult, with the team managing only five wins against twelve losses before Saleh's dismissal.
Controversy Surrounding Saleh's Jets Exit
Rumors circulated that Aaron Rodgers influenced Jets owner Woody Johnson's decision to fire Saleh. Rodgers addressed these allegations directly in October 2024.
"As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there," Rodgers stated via ESPN reporter Rich Cimini, "I'm not going to spend more than one sentence in response to it, and that is that I resent any of those accusations because they are patently false. It's interesting the amount of power that people think that I have, which I don't. I love Robert."
However, Cimini reported that Saleh planned to demote offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett before his firing. Hackett maintains a close friendship with Rodgers, leading to speculation about potential tension.
Woody Johnson insisted the decision to fire Saleh was his alone. "My decision and mine alone," Johnson stated when announcing the coaching change. He claimed to have discussed the move only briefly with then-general manager Joe Douglas and denied seeking input from Rodgers.
Rodgers' Perspective on Saleh's Dismissal
Aaron Rodgers described receiving a phone call from Johnson the night before Saleh's firing. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers explained the conversation focused on his recent ankle injury and game performance rather than coaching changes.
"We had a short conversation," Rodgers recalled. "I appreciated the call. It was a genuine call. He just asked me how I was doing. Obviously, I got rolled up on in the game, my ankle got pretty banged up, so he was just calling and asking how I was doing."
Rodgers expressed empathy for Saleh and his family following the dismissal. He emphasized that Johnson had no obligation to inform him about coaching decisions during their conversation.
Saleh's Path to Tennessee
After leaving the Jets, Saleh worked briefly as an offensive consultant for the Green Bay Packers in 2024. The San Francisco 49ers then hired him as their defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
Now, Saleh appears poised to return to a head coaching role. The Titans' decision follows their disappointing 2025 campaign and represents a fresh start for both the franchise and the coach.
NFL insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo first reported the Titans' intention to hire Saleh. The team has not yet made an official announcement, but multiple sources confirm the move is imminent.
This hiring represents a significant opportunity for Saleh to rebuild his head coaching reputation. The Titans hope he can bring defensive expertise and leadership to a team seeking improvement after consecutive difficult seasons.
