The Tennessee Titans’ absence from any 2025 prime-time games marks a significant fall from grace, considering they had four such games in 2022. The decline reflects their recent underwhelming performance, notably a 3-win season that led to them earning the No. 1 overall draft pick.
In response, the franchise is undergoing a philosophical overhaul guided by the president of football operations, Chad Brinker. The new mantra — “Draft, Develop, Retain” — emphasizes building through the draft, prioritizing player development, and keeping top talent in-house.
The Titans are clearly in rebuilding mode, both in football operations and infrastructure. Downtown Nashville is seeing major progress with the $2.2 billion New Nissan Stadium, targeted for completion by 2027. The team hopes the new facility, along with a revamped organizational strategy, will spark renewed fan interest and on-field success.
Following consecutive disappointing seasons, owner Amy Adams-Strunk initiated leadership changes, beginning with the firing of former GM Jon Robinson after a 7-10 collapse in 2022.
Leadership Changes and Offensive Line Overhaul Aim to Revive Struggling Titans Roster
The turnover didn’t stop there. After a 6-11 finish in 2023, head coach Mike Vrabel was dismissed and replaced by Brian Callahan. Another lackluster season led to GM Ran Carthon’s firing, bringing in Mike Borgonzi to stabilize the front office. The Titans also face a talent deficit — only six players on the roster have made the Pro Bowl, with just two achieving the honor while with the Titans. Building a more competitive team is now a priority under Borgonzi’s new leadership.
Titans Embrace Rebuild After Prime-Time Snub, Pin Hopes on Youth, Culture Shift, and Stadium FutureA key part of the rebuild focuses on the offensive line. The Titans made bold moves by signing veteran Kevin Zeitler and former Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr., allowing 2023 top pick JC Latham to return to his natural position at right tackle. This restructuring aims to significantly improve pass protection after last year’s right tackle group allowed an NFL-worst 29 sacks. Protecting the quarterback is central to Tennessee’s strategy moving forward.
Cam Ward, Oluwafemi Oladejo Lead Titans’ Youth Movement with Competition and Potential
Despite drafting Cam Ward first overall, the Titans are not handing him the starting quarterback role. Head coach Callahan has emphasized an open competition between Ward, Will Levis, and veterans Kyle Allen and Tim Boyle. After an unstable quarterback situation last year, Callahan is determined to learn from past mistakes and foster a competitive environment. Ward, known for his leadership qualities, embraces the challenge and sees it as an opportunity to earn the respect of teammates.
On defense, the Titans are leaning on star lineman Jeffery Simmons while hoping rookie pass rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo can emerge as a disruptive force. Converted from inside linebacker to edge rusher during his college career at UCLA, Oladejo has shown promise but remains raw. The coaching staff sees potential in his athletic traits and is focused on his development. Both Ward and Oladejo — once college rivals — now share the mission of energizing their respective units and becoming foundational pieces of the Titans’ new era.
