Nashville’s new faces? What the Tennessee Titans will do next
Tennessee’s Nashville Before the Tennessee Titans’ offseason began, change was inevitable.
The Titans (6-11) have not advanced to the postseason in either of the previous two seasons, having dropped 18 of their previous 24 games dating back to 2022. Amy Adams Strunk, the controlling owner, was persuaded to start taking risks by that alone.
“My expectations are high,” stated Adams Strunk. “I promise never to regret it. These supporters deserve a championship team and to see this city win one. That is the goal we will strive for. In order to hopefully get us there sooner, I’m willing to make the difficult choices.”
Two days after the season concluded, the Titans made a significant decision by firing coach Mike Vrabel, who had served six seasons.
As the Titans begin their second season under general manager Ran Carthon, they find themselves in a crucial situation.
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Vrabel had a 54-45 record and had won four of his five seasons, helping the team raise the bar. The team had only made it to the playoffs once (2017) since 2009 before his arrival in 2018, and he was able to lead them there three times.
Carthon was selected by Adams Strunk to lead their hunt for the team’s sixth coach in franchise history. Carthon got right to work, sending out requests to interview ten applicants.
On that list are defensive coordinators Aaron Glenn (Lions), Mike Macdonald (Ravens), Dan Quinn (Cowboys), and interim head coach of the Raiders Antonio Pierce. On the offensive coordinators’ roster are Thomas Brown (Panthers), Brian Callahan (Bengals), Ben Johnson (Lions), Brian Johnson (Eagles), Mike Kafka (Giants), and Bobby Slowik (Texans).
On Friday, Carthon concluded her interviews with Kafka and Callahan. On Saturday, the team conducted interviews with Pierce and Macdonald. An interview with Brown is scheduled for later this week.
The San Francisco 49ers, under general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan, have employed a collaborative approach that the Titans would like to adopt. For six of those years, Carthon served in separate capacities as director of player personnel and director of pro personnel. Carthon was brought in by the Titans from the 49ers, in part, because of this desire.
The only candidate with 49ers ties that the Titans have requested thus far is Slowik. He worked as an offensive assistant, coordinator of the offensive passing game, defensive quality control coach, and offensive pass game specialist for six seasons in San Francisco.
Even though he and Carthon played together with the 49ers, Slowik won’t necessarily have an advantage when it comes to getting hired by the Titans.
Carthon stated last Tuesday, “I know there are a couple candidates out there that will be available that I have relationships with.” “I wish to have the ability to conduct a fair procedure. Therefore, that will necessitate having more people present and involved in the process.”
This weekend, Slowik and the Texans will play in the divisional round of the playoffs. Slowik collaborated with first-year coach DeMeco Ryans in San Francisco prior to the two taking on new roles in Houston this offseason, and he has been a key component of the team’s turnaround under Ryans’ direction. First-year quarterback C.J.
background. However, that does not rule out Quinn, Glenn, or Pierce.
When asked if the next coach has to have experience in offense, Adams Strunk responded, “needing to improve across the board.” Being a more creative organization is central to her vision for the Titans.Adams Strunk stated, “It’s critical to find someone who brings in a lot of diverse ideas and fresh perspectives.” “In a new head coach, that’s the most important thing.”
Along with assistant general managers Anthony Robinson and Chad Brinker, who oversee the development of the analytics department, the new coach will need to work closely with Carthon.
Titans with a new appearance
A number of important players who were instrumental in the Titans’ 2019 run to the AFC Championship Game and their 2020 and 2021 AFC South titles are probably gone.
Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 draft, which appeared to be the catalyst for the team’s decline. Running back Derrick Henry, quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and wide receiver Brown were the three players who provided the offense’s pulse.
Even though they had a 7-3 start in 2022, they lost seven of their final eight games, including one against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18, when a division title and postseason berth were at stake.
As Tennessee failed to win a game in a row in 2023, they finished 1-8 away from Nissan Stadium and 1-5 in the division.
Tannehill started the first game, but against the Ravens in Week 6, he sprained his ankle severely. After that, Levis continued to start every game until the end, when Tannehill took over in Weeks 16 and 18 while Levis recovered from his own injury. Most likely, it was Tannehill’s final game with the Titans.
When asked whether he would deviate from the plan to assist receiver DeAndre Hopkins in fulfilling his contract’s incentives by registering at least 75 receptions, 1,050 yards, and eight touchdowns for the season, Tannehill made a suggestion that he was going to leave.
“Hey, I’m going to get you this ball,” I said to him. Whatever they call, I don’t care,” Tannehill remarked. “They said he was able to obtain it. I’m grateful that I didn’t have to call a pass play at the end there. Here, I have nothing to lose. What will they do, since I’m leaving anyhow?”
Roster Management System estimates that the Titans currently have $70.1 million in cap space. Although they will participate in free agency, with 23 expected free agents, there
Denico Autry, an outside linebacker, is the best defensive player on the list. Last season, Autry recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks. He became one of only thre eVanden Titans pass-rushers, along with Jevon Kearse, Kyle
vanden and Harold Landry III, to record nine or more sacks over the course of multiple seasons.
Autry wants to rejoin the Titans at the age of thirty-three. Autry declared in December that “it’s a good fit for me.” “This is where I like to be.”Jaguars,, an inside linebacker, is another important defensive player who may be available for free. In his only season with the team, Al-Shaair set a team record with 163 tackles. Cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Kristian Fulton are two other important defenders.
With center Aaron Brewer potentially becoming a free agent, the Titans’ offensive line will probably feature at least two new starters. Following 297 pass-blocking snaps in which he allowed 12 sacks (second-most on the team), left tackle Andre Dillard is probably going to be cut.
Two other undrafted free agents with offensive starting experience are receivers Chris Moore and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Henry is the most important player who could be gone; he is a four-time Pro Bowler.
When will Derrick Henry return?
Henry concluded the season with 1,167 rushing yards (second) on 280 carries (first), and 12 rushing touchdowns (tied for fifth among running backs). With 90 touchdowns in his career, Henry is tied for 13th all-time with Hall of Fame running backs Eric Dickerson and Curtis Martin.
Only Eddie George (10,009 yards) has amassed more rushing yards in Tennessee Titans history than Henry (9,502 yards) since being selected in the 2016 draft out of Alabama.
Henry ran for 153 yards in the season finale versus the Jaguars, including a career-long 69-yard run at 21.6 mph.
“It seemed like a return to the past,” Henry remarked following the match. “This is a really fun way to go out.”
Henry, who turned 30 on January 4, is aware that his window of opportunity to play a part in a team that wins a Super Bowl is closing.
“My age is not decreasing. “Give me a ring,” Henry declared. Having reached Year 8, winning the Super Bowl is undoubtedly my next objective. We will therefore take action wherever that occurs and with anyone who can assist in getting there.”
Henry stated that, like the majority of seasoned players, he cherishes the chance to play his entire career for one team. One of Henry’s career ambitions was to bring a Super Bowl to Nashville. But Tennessee is rebuilding and might not be ready to win it all in Henry’s remaining time.
After placing sixth among all rookies with 1,108 all-purpose yards, rookie Tyjae Spears showed himself to be a good complementary back to Henry. Tennessee might concentrate on selecting a back in the draft or utilizing third-year rusher Hassan Haskins in a committee with Spears if Henry and the Titans decide to part ways.
One of the greatest careers for any player to don a Titans uniform would come to an end with Henry’s departure. Should he and Tannehill part ways with the Titans, they will have a 33-20 regular-season record in games where Tannehill started and Henry participated.
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