The Tennessee Titans identified 10 candidates for their vacant general manager position after firing Ran Carthon last week. With the first round of interviews complete, which were totally virtual, the Titans have now identified six finalists, with a second round of interviews occurring in-person this week before a hire is officially made.
The initial list of candidates included Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi, Miami Dolphins senior executive Reggie McKenzie, Seattle Seahawks senior director of player personnel Matt Berry, among others. Borgonzi is a finalist, alongside Ian Cunningham (Bears), Terrance Gray (Bills), Jon-Eric Sullivan (Packers), Ed Dodds (Colts), and John Spytek (Buccaneers).
Reports have six of 10 initial candidates coming in for second interviews for #Titans' GM job:
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) January 14, 2025
Mike Borgonzi of the Chiefs
Ian Cunningham of the Bears
Ed Dodds of the Colts
Terrance Gray of the Bills
John Skytek of the Bucs
Jon-Eric Sullivan of the Packers
So, those who missed…
That is an impressive list of candidates. Some candidates appear stronger than others, and some don't have the scouting background that the Titans have suggested is required, but a lot of the people on this list would be viewed as an upgrade for the Titans.
The elephant in the room is how much will president of football operations and de-facto decision maker Chad Brinker be involved. By all accounts, all football-related decisions will go through Brinker. When a hire is officially made, we'll know more about how they plan to collaborate.
The hire Brinker makes should have a profound impact on the team's strategy moving forward, particularly in free agency, and with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
After reviewing the list of potential unrestricted free agents this offseason, one Titans GM candidate who is especially intriguing is Borgonzi, the Chiefs' assistant GM. The Chiefs are in the bottom 10 in cap space and effective cap space, and it is going to be hard for them to re-sign everyone this offseason. Five Chiefs players stand out as intriguing options in free agency, and some of them are bound to hit the open market.
Obviously, the biggest name on the list is Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith. The former Tennessee Volunteer had health concerns coming into the NFL, but he has been exceptional in the league. Since the Titans are set at left tackle, left guard, and center, adding an elite right guard could provide huge dividends for completing the transformation of this offensive line.
While not as big of a name, linebacker Nick Bolton would be an exceptional addition to Dennard Wilson's defense. A true downhill thumper with bad intentions, Wilson's defense needs more physicality and Bolton has been a force with the Chiefs.
EDGE Charles Omenihu could also be a nice rotational piece to help round out a pass-rushing unit that might also add an elite EDGE in the draft. Safety Justin Reid could be a good multi-year starter at a position of need for the Titans, opposite Amani Hooker.
How about a reunion with DeAndre Hopkins? The Titans should probably go younger and cheaper at receiver, but Hopkins absolutely loved his time in Nashville, so we shouldn't totally rule it out.