The Tennessee Titans remain in the early stages of their head coaching search. Interim Mike McCoy will wrap up a lifeless season after replacing Brian Callahan in Week 7. McCoy stands zero chance to inherit the full-time gig, so Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker will be tasked with beginning to interview prospective candidates in January.
Borgonzi and Brinker are currently working on putting together a shortlist. The initial belief was that the Titans will prioritize both play-calling and previous head coaching experience. A recent report indicates they're keeping their options open, however.
Albert Breer writes a weekly Monday morning column for Sports Illustrated. This week, the Titans' coaching search was among the covered topics. Breer claims the Titans are looking at a wide array of candidates, including Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, and Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Report: Titans head coaching search could include Chargers DC Jesse Minter and Rams DC Chris Shula
Claiming the Titans initially focused on an experienced candidate who could help develop rookie quarterback Cam Ward, Breer quickly adds, "But that hasn’t stopped the Titans from looking at a wide array of candidates, even guys such as Chargers DC Jesse Minter and Rams DC Chris Shula, who don’t fit into the above box."
Shula, the grandson of the legendary Don Shula, is in his first year as the Rams' DC and defensive play caller. He first joined Sean McVay's coaching staff in 2017 as an assistant linebackers coach and has consistently worked his way up the ladder. Notably, he spent time on staff with current Titans special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel, who the next Titans coach should possess interest in retaining. The Rams defense is thriving under his tutelage, allowing the second-fewest points per game (17.5).
Minter is in his second campaign as the Chargers' defensive coordinator. He joined L.A. in unison with Jim Harbaugh in 2024 after serving as his DC at Michigan in 2022-23. Minter brings more than 10 years of coordinating experience to the table, but only the recent two years at the NFL level.
Both Minter and Shula figure to be popular coaching candidates this offseason. At initial glance, they don't meet the Titans' experience requirements. Borgonzi and Brinker should keep an open mind as they place both Minter and Shula on their list of prospective candidates.