The Tennessee Titans have identified 10 initial candidates for their vacant general manager role after firing Ran Carthon last week. President of football operations Chad Brinker and Co. conducted 10 first-round virtual interviews with the candidates over the weekend. Now, reports are indicating the organization has identified five initial finalists, whom they plan to interview in person later this week.
They are Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi, Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek, Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, Indianapolis Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds, and Buffalo Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray, according to reports by Adam Schefter, Tom Pelissero, and Ian Rapoport.
Mike Borgonzi
Borgonzi was the first-known candidate and he's apparently secured a second interview. He and Brinker were the architects of the L'Jarius Sneed in the offseason, indicating the two possess a good rapport. Borgonzi has worked for the Chiefs since 2009 and has been in his current role since 2021, helping general manager Brett Veach build a dynasty through the draft, a quality the Titans are looking for in their next GM.
Ed Dodds
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. Brinker and Dodds have a loose connection there, having both worked alongside Seahawks GM John Schneider in Green Bay. His league-wide reputation is outstanding.
Ian Cunningham
The Titans interviewed Cunningham two offseasons ago before hiring Carthon. Cunningham obviously left a lasting impression, earning another look this go-around, now as a finalist. His resume includes learning under legendary NFL evaluators such as Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta, and Howie Roseman.
Terrance Gray
Gray 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. He was promoted to director of player personnel in 2022, having previously worked for the Chiefs and Vikings.
John Spytek
Spytek has twice been promoted in Tampa Bay by the brilliant Jason Licht. Spytek has climbed the ladder, beginning his Bucs journey as their director of player personnel before becoming the VP of that department, and eventually, assistant GM (2016-present). He's a true evaluator of talent, having helped the Bucs quickly reload the roster following Tom Brady's retirement.