What does hiring of Robert Saleh mean for Titans, Cam Ward? - ESPN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans were the first team to have a head coach opening after firing Brian Callahan in October. But they weren't the first team to hire a new coach.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said the organization would hold an extensive search in reviewing candidates. His list of team personnel interviewing candidates approached 18 names, including controlling owner Amy Adams-Strunk, who gassed up her jet for a potential trip to Baltimore to court John Harbaugh, It was ultimately for naught, as he ended up taking the New York Giants job. Ultimately, Borgonzi landed on Robert Saleh.

Tennessee is desperately in need of stability. The Titans have seen either a head coach or general manager fired in each of the past four years. 2025 No. 1 pick and starting quarterback Cam Ward mentioned the need for continuity before even taking an NFL snap.

If Saleh plans to provide that continuity for Ward, things will have to improve, following back-to-back 3-14 seasons.

We answer three big questions about the hiring, including what comes next. Draft analyst Matt Miller also spins it forward, while analyst Ben Solak grades the hire.

Borgonzi outlined the need for a leader who isn't afraid of conflict and is willing to hold people accountable. Conflict is no stranger to Saleh after his time with the Jets. Saleh's tenure in New York taught him the importance of connecting with the whole roster, something he worked on when he returned to the 49ers as the defensive coordinator last season. That's another quality Borgonzi pointed to as a necessary trait. Overall, Saleh seems to fit the mold the Titans need. — Davenport

Hiring Saleh, whose background is on the defensive side of the ball, means someone other than the