The Tennessee Titans are appointing former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Though Saleh hasn't been unofficially unveiled yet, he's already working hard on assembling his coaching staff. The offensive coordinator position looms largest after the Titans missed out on their preferred target, Mike McDaniel.
While the OC position awaits, Saleh has begun making decisions on other areas of the staff. The Titans are retaining special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel, according to a report from Paul Kuharsky. Kuharsky also reports that offensive and defensive coordinators Nick Holz and Dennard Wilson will not be returning to the Titans in 2026.
Retaining Fassel is a brilliant decision by Saleh that removes ego from the equation. Meanwhile, it's no surprise that Wilson won't be back as defensive coordinator. Saleh is making staffing decisions that pushes the Titans in a better direction heading into 2026.
Robert Saleh is already making bold Tennessee Titans staffing changes
Arguably the best thing Brian Callahan did as Titans head coach last season was appoint Fassel as special teams coordinator. The legendary coach immediately helped Tennessee's third unit go from last to first. In Fassel's debut season coordinating that side, rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike made the Pro Bowl and was a First-Team All-Pro selection for his work in the return game.
It was essentially assumed that Wilson would not return as defensive coordinator when the Titans appointed a defensive minded head coach. Wilson did an admirable job in Tennessee given the roster's personnel shortcomings, but he shares different philosophies from Saleh. The Titans will understandably go in a different direction, with Saleh planning to call plays.
Elsewhere, Turron Davenport is reporting that Tony Oden is being retained as passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. It makes sense. Saleh and Oden previously worked together with the 49ers and New York Jets.
The Titans have other notable staffing appointments to decide. One positional assistant who should be retained is tight ends coach Luke Stocker, who's a rising assistant. Saleh is already assembling his coaching staff as he prepares to return the Titans to contention in 2026.