The Tennessee Titans concluded their 2025 season with a Week 18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward suffered a shoulder injury that the team is awaiting an MRI on. Meanwhile, general manager Mike Borgonzi will finally launch the team's search for its next head coach.
Borgonzi can begin interviewing potential head coaching candidates as early this week. The process is expected to begin with upwards of 10 candidates participating in an initial round of virtual discussions. Finalists will then travel to Nashville for a round of in-person interviews.
Familiar names have been buzzing for months, but a fresh new candidate was just made available. The Cleveland Browns fired head coach Kevin Stefanski on Monday. Stefanski should immediately become a potential frontrunner for the Titans' vacancy.
Former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski emerges as candidate for Titans' opening
Stefanski was a two-time Coach of the Year winner in Cleveland. He led a Browns franchise starved for success to two postseason appearances throughout his tenure. The Browns finished 5-12 after playing four different quarterbacks due to injuries and inconsistencies.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated expects Stefanski to immediately emerge as a candidate for the Titans and New York Giants. Both franchises have promising rookie quarterbacks in Ward and Jaxson Dart. Stefanski's decision could eventually come down to which quarterback he prefers.
The Titans may prioritize previous experience during their head coaching search after whiffing so badly on the inexperienced Brian Callahan. Borgonzi may prefer candidates who have both play-calling and head coaching experience in their past. Stefanski would check significant boxes.
The Titans have been linked to various defensive-minded candidates this coming cycle. All of them come with questions marks about how they plan to develop Ward, the organization's most prized possession heading into 2026. Those questions wouldn't exist with Stefanski, who has proven to possess a brilliant offensive mind.
Borgonzi will oversee the process while casting a wide net. The Titans shouldn't overcomplicate the process. A proven candidate just became available. If the Titans want to prioritize Ward's development, Stefanski should immediately emerge as a favorite.