The Tennessee Titans are searching for their next general manager after firing Ran Carthon earlier this week. President of football operations Chad Brinker is currently overseeing the process of appointing Carthon's successor as the football club shifts to a new power structure, under the wishes of owner Amy Adams Strunk. The first candidate was revealed on Wednesday when the Titans requested to interview Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi.
Since then, another five external candidates have been revealed.
John Spytek
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received formal confirmation that the Titans intend to interview assistant general manager John Spytek, per Rick Stroud. The Buccaneers have possessed one of the best front offices in recent years. Spytek has been an important asset to GM Jason Licht.
Spytek has twice been promoted by the brilliant Licht. He began his journey in Tampa as their director of player personnel before becoming the VP of player personnel, and eventually, assistant GM (2016-present). Spytek would check Brinker's boxes as a true talent evaluator.
Ed Dodds
The Titans have requested an interview with Indianapolis Colts general manager Ed Dodds, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. Dodds has drawn a lot of attention in recent offseasons, garnering requests from upwards of five teams. It'll be interesting to see if Tennessee's interview request is met with mutual interest.
Dodds originally joined the Colts as their vice president of player personnel in 2017, having previously served as a scout and senior personnel executive for the Seattle Seahawks. Dodds was promoted to assistant general manager in 2018, having aided Chris Ballard in that role ever since. His league-wide reputation is excellent.
Catherine Hickman
Cleveland Browns assistant general manager and vice president of football operations Catherine Hickman has also landed on Brinker's radar, per Dianna Russini. Hickman curiously got her start in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as the coordinator of football administration for the Montreal Alouettes. She later became their assistant general manager.
Hickman continued cutting her teeth as the coordinator of football operations and vice president of football operations under Howie Roseman with the Philadelphia Eagles. Roseman is one of the best in the business. Hickman eventually landed in Cleveland as the assistant general manager.
Terrance Gray
CBs Sports' Jonathan Jones is reporting that the Titans have requested an interview with Buffalo Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray. Gray is an outstanding evaluator of talent, filling the definition of what Brinker claimed the Titans are looking for in the next GM. He was a front-runner for the same job with the Los Angeles Chargers last year.
Gray is a veteran, currently completing his 23rd campaign in the league, his eighth season with the Bills. Gray was promoted to director of player personnel in 2022 after spending 2021 as Buffalo's assistant director of player personnel. He also previously worked for the Chiefs and Vikings.
Reggie McKenzie
Miami Dolphins senior personnel executive Reggie McKenize is also on the list, per ESPN's Turron Davenport. McKenzie is the most experienced candidate on the current list. He was the Raiders' GM from 2012-18.
McKenzie was Green Bay's director of football ops from 2008-11, crossing paths with Brinker. McKenzie possesses local ties as well. He's a Knoxville native and played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers.