Former Tennessee Titans running back and current Bowling Green head coach Eddie George experienced a ton of success with the Nashville-based club. George won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, qualified for four Pro Bowls, and played in Super Bowl XXXIV with the Titans throughout an illustrious career that ended with the franchise retiring his iconic No. 27 jersey.
It's no surprise that George is saddened by the current state of the team, one that enters Sunday's Week 8 game versus the Indianapolis Colts with a lackluster 1-6 record. Part of the Titans' current struggles can be blamed on dysfunctional ownership and Amy Adams Strunk's willingness to swiftly fire staff members. Adams Strunk has drawn criticism for her running of the team in recent years.
The Titans have been a revolving door for general managers and head coaches in recent campaigns. In a brand-new interview with the Tennessean, George spoke his mind about the pathetic state of his once-beloved franchise. George criticised ownership, boldly saying the quiet part out loud about Adams Strunk and her questionable decisions.
Titans legend Eddie George criticises owner Amy Adams Strunk, current state of the franchise
"What is the culture in the building? I can speak to that because I know what it was like when I was there," George asked. "We had a blueprint. We had an identity. What do you want to be that's sustainable? I think that's a question for (owner) Amy (Adams Strunk), the GM and the president, and then they have to find a coach they can be on the same page with. How are you going to build this out? How much time are you going to give this person? It's not going to happen overnight."
After firing long-term GM Jon Robinson, Adams Strunk decided to force Ran Carthon on then-head coach Mike Vrabel. That partnership predictably went poorly, with Vrabel getting fired after the 2023 season, one year into their shotgun marriage. Carthon led the charge to hire head coach Brian Callahan prior to the 2024 campaign.
After a disastrous 3-14 season in 2024, Adams Strunk fired Carthon roughly two short years into his tenure. Callahan was retained and forced on new GM Mike Borgonzi and president Chad Brinker. Just six games into the current season, Callahan was fired, meaning Adams Strunk has fired a GM or head coach in four consecutive years.
"I'm sad to see Brian (Callahan) get fired," George added. "Being in this profession I know how hard it is to win and try to build something. I don't know if he was given the proper time to do that. It's a results business and they didn't think it was the right fit."
Adams Strunk needs to let Borgonzi and Brinker hire the next coach. There's already lingering questions about their partnership and whether or not the two decision-makers are truly aligned. Adams Strunk's half measures have resulted in predictable disaster. Endearing franchise legends like George have taken notice.