Many believed if the Tennessee Titans intend to add one final candidate to their head coaching search, it would be former Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, if he agrees to interview with them in person. That was the belief when the Titans already had 16 candidates on their initial shortlist. Well, it turns out a 17th and 18th candidate emerged without including Harbaugh.
News broke on Monday evening that the Titans will interview former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. On Tuesday morning, ex New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll became the 18th candidate, per Jordan Schultz.
The Titans are casting the widest net among all NFL teams with head coaching vacancies. It's possible that Mike Borgonzi is overseeing a bigger process than necessary. Daboll qualifies as an unnecessary candidate to an already sizable search.
Titans to interview former Giants HC Brian Daboll for head coaching vacancy
Daboll was fired this past midseason by the Giants. He compiled a record of 20-40-1 in three-and-a-half seasons in charge. Daboll's Giants won fewer games with each passing campaign, ending a once-promising tenure that began with a road playoff victory at Minnesota in 2022.
Daboll is viewed as one of the brighter offensive minds in the league. There's no denying that Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart regressed in 2025 following Daboll's midseason dismissal. The Giants had interest in trading up for Titans quarterback Cam Ward during last year's NFL Draft. He also coached a young Josh Allen in Buffalo.
Daboll will probably attract interest as an offensive coordinator candidate for multiple suitors. Perhaps this interview with the Titans is for the offensive coordinator position and is being disguised as a head coaching discussion. For now, Daboll will make his pitch to the Titans via an in-person sit down on Friday.
Daboll will pitch that he's the best candidate to oversee the development of Ward as a sophomore quarterback (and beyond). It's becoming increasingly difficult for these candidates to stand out as the Titans approach 20 total options they've discussed their head coaching vacancy with. Daboll doesn't feel like a legitimate candidate this late into the process.