The Titans cleaned house after a 3-14 season in 2025. Robert Saleh returns to a head coaching job he last held in 2024 with the Jets, while former Giants head coach Brian Daboll takes over as offensive coordinator. At quarterback, Cam Ward returns, looking to learn from last year’s struggles. Tony Pollard returns as the lead running back alongside Tyjae Spears. The Titans must replace Chig Okonkwo’s production after he departed for Washington. Tennessee returns six of its top eight pass catchers from last year, with Calvin Ridley and tight end Gunnar Helm back alongside newcomers Wan’Dale Robinson from the Giants and Ohio State rookie Carnell Tate. On the offensive line, Dan Moore, Peter Skoronski, and J.C. Latham return, along with newly acquired Austin Schlottmann from the Giants and Arkansas rookie Fernando Carmona.
Gus Bradley will be the next defensive coordinator. Tennessee returns four of its top five tacklers from last year, but the unit has many new faces. Jeffery Simmons is the lone returning starter on a defensive line that underwent a major makeover. The Titans welcome Jermaine Johnson from the Jets, John Franklin-Myers from the Broncos, Jacob Martin from the Commanders, and Jordan Elliott from the 49ers. Cedric Gray and Cody Barton return at linebacker, while the Titans bring back Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston, and Marcus Harris in the secondary. They also welcome Alontae Taylor from New Orleans, Cor’Dale Flott from the Giants, and Tony Adams from the Jets.
John Fassel returns for his second season as special teams coordinator. Joey Slye is back as placekicker, and Tommy Townsend comes over from the Texans to be the primary punter. Chimere Dike is an electric returner who will look to start the Titans in ideal field position. Titans fans aren’t expecting a deep playoff run, but they know the pieces are in place for improvement. Tennessee has opened the season 0-4, although the Titans have been competitive in several close losses. The question now is whether Saleh and his staff can turn that progress into wins as the season moves forward.