The Tennessee Titans are casting an extremely wide net for their head coaching search, but casting a wide net is only part of the equation. You have to make sure you're setting up interviews with the right candidates, not just the most candidates, and GM Mike Borgonzi seems to understand that.
The Titans' search is up to 15 names and counting at this point, so nobody is going to be able to accuse them of leaving stones unturned. But again, part of the issue is getting the right candidates in the building, and Adam Schefter just reported that two head coach candidates who absolutely had to be included finally are.
According to Schefter, the Titans are trying to lock in interviews with Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Titans finally add Rams DC Chris Shula, Chargers DC Jesse Minter to head coach interview list
The bigger name on this report, at least as of right now, is Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Minter has been a rising head coach candidate for a long time now, dating back to his work as a defensive assistant with the Baltimore Ravens working under John Harbaugh before joining his brother Jim at Michigan.
Minter's work as a defensive coordinator with Harbaugh at Michigan landed him the same gig in Los Angeles when Harbaugh made the jump to the NFL to coach the Chargers, and the Chargers have had one of the most dominating defenses in the league since he came on board.
Last season, the Chargers had the #1 scoring defense in the entire NFL. They dropped to 9th in the NFL this past season, but were still 5th in yards allowed and top 5 in third down percentage as well as red zone percentage.
For Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, player development has been on display in a big way. Shula has been with the Rams since Sean McVay was hired back in 2017, starting out as an assistant linebackers coach and working his way up to the defensive coordinator job for the last two years.
We've seen some outstanding development for the Rams' defensive personnel over the past couple of years as they've shifted from the "F*** Them Picks" mantra to making every single pick count. The Rams' defensive front has developed into one of the most impressive in the NFL with all four of their team leaders in QB hits and sacks are home-grown talents.
That's something the Titans desperately need, and something both of these candidates bring to the table: Pass rush and player development.
The key for any defensive coach in the pitches they are making to prospective hiring teams is who they bring as an offensive coordinator. The development and progression of Cam Ward is essential, but having a strong defense behind him is non-negotiable as he grows.