The Tennessee Titans are officially conducting one of their trademark half-measure rebuilds. Despite keeping head coach Brian Callahan after a 3-14 season, the Titans fired executive vice president and general manager Ran Carthon just two seasons after hiring him and one after promoting him.
The Titans have no time to waste as they try to find their next GM, even if the power structure appears a bit wonky. Chad Brinker, one of Carthon's top assistants, was put in a position to have control over the roster and has the power to break any ties related to football matters.
While that might make Carthon's old job a bit less attractive, the Titans could still land one of these very sharp minds if they are proactive enough. WIth the Jets qualifying as the only other opening on the market, quality candidates will possess interest.
5 GM candidates Titans must look at after Ran Carthon firing
5. Jon-Eric Sullivan, VP of Player Personnel, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has always been one of the best organizations in the league when it comes to drafting well, developing talent, and making very timely free agent acquisitions. Sullivan has played a key role in their success as a top lieutenant for Brian Gutekunst. Sullivan and Brinker had previously worked together in Green Bay.
4. Alec Halaby, Assistant GM, Philadelphia Eagles
After being named vice president of football operations in 2016, Halaby was promoted to assistant general manager alongside Howie Roseman in 2022. The Eagles may have the best overall roster in the league, and Halaby's eye for talent should be able to make the trip over to Tennessee.
3. Thomas Dimitroff, Former GM, Atlanta Falcons
Dimitroff, who interviewed for the Jets' vacancy, was one nightmare fourth quarter away from winning a Super Bowl. In 13 years as Falcons GM, Dimitroff, who drafted and developed Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, had seven winning seasons and made the playoffs six times. He is a proven winner looking for a second chance.
2. Mike Borgonzi, Assistant GM, Kansas City Chiefs
The popular method of hiring the assistant GM from other elite teams could lead the Titans to Borgonzi, Brett Veach's right hand man in Kansas City. While Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid cover up a ton of cracks, Borgonzi's front office has developed a reputation as one of the best drafting teams in the league.
1. Ray Agnew, Assistant GM, Detroit Lions
In both the draft and free agency, Agnew and Brad Holmes have been crushing it in Detroit. Much like Carthon, Agnew is a former player who has spent the last few years marinating under the watch of a winning culture. Agnew may be the guy who can turn this ship around the quickest.