Sports Illustrated Connects Several Names To Titans’ Vacancy

Mike McCarthy

“McCarthy, 62, is viewed by some as an early front-runner for the Titans’ vacancy given his experience at the quarterback position and the Titans needing to maximize 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward. Though there are some conflicting opinions emerging that Tennessee may value a younger voice in the building.”

McCarthy is a frequent name mentioned for the Titans’ coaching vacancy. He’s a popular candidate because he would raise the team’s competitive floor, which they desperately need. The former Cowboys and Packers head coach isn’t the flashiest, but a year away from the game could enhance his reputation. Dak Prescott learned under McCarthy during his formative seasons, and Ward could eventually become a greater player under him as well. If McCarthy can bring along a stout staff full of up-and-comers, he could do well as the CEO.

Jim Schwartz

“Schwartz’s run in Cleveland, in conjunction with the fact that nearly all the top defenses in the NFL this year are in some way connected to his root scheme, make the former Lions head coach a curiosity at the very least this cycle—especially with the Titans’ job open. While everything I’ve heard about the Tennessee job points to the team looking for youth, the 59-year-old Schwartz was a longtime Titans assistant and has relationships in the building. If the team was hoping to import a young play-caller as a future head coach, Schwartz could be an ideal bridge candidate with experience who could instantly stabilize the defense.”

Schwartz is two-tone blue royalty with two separate stints in Nashville covering the breadth of his lengthy coaching career. He has the Cleveland defense humming at full throat in 2025 with Myles Garrett haunting offensive tackles weekly. More impressively, he has coached up rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger into All-Pro consideration. The former Titans’ assistant got a close look at his potential employers in a Week 15 tanking showdown. Much like McCarthy, he brings head coaching experience, but it was a dismal tenure in Detroit. The trick for him is to get an offensive coordinator who can run that side of the ball with autonomy. Cleveland’s defensive coordinator could get an interview in Nashville due to nostalgia, but he must explain away his shortcomings.

More Possible Names To Know

Ejiro Evero

Evero is a hugely popular standout defensive coordinator who overseen great defenses in his tenure. He’s worked for numerous organizations, including the Packers, Buccaneers, and Broncos. The current Panthers defensive coordinator has ties to the Titans, sharing a history with President of Football Operations Chad Brinker and Senior Advisor Reggie McKenzie. The 44-year-old is ready for the next step in his career, and Tennessee could be the landing spot for him if he can bring along a notable offensive staff.

Robert Saleh

Yes, Saleh’s tenure as Jets head coach went poorly as one could have conjured up, but it is a franchise in eternal despair. As time moves on further and further away from his predictable failures in Gotham, his reputation blossoms. He has revitalized the flagging 49ers’ defense in 2025 upon his return, despite a litany of injuries plaguing the organization. Saleh does well with what he has, and the Titans got a closer in-person look at his wizardry in Week 15. Another plus is his access to the countless McVay/Shanahan offensive assistants, which will prove beneficial. Tennessee should at least interview him to see where he’s at in terms of his desire to be an HC again. He isn’t the worst option in the world if he can come with a highly regarded OC in tow.

Chris Shula

The family business is in good hands with Chris making his way into the NFL ranks. Shula is the grandson of the legendary Don Shula. His father, Dave, coached the Bengals for a spell before being fired in 1996. Chris has become a great defensive coordinator under the auspices of Sean McVay, ultimately landing the job he has now last season. The Rams’ defense jumped to another level in 2024 and has continued its great run of form into this year. Shula is the architect of a young defense that had to find a way after Aaron Donald retired. While he’s still young for a head coaching job, the bloodline and coaching tree are undeniable. The Titans would do well to at least interview him for their coaching vacancy. Tennessee got its first look at him in Week 2 as the Rams sent the Titans offense into oblivion. Could the Titans send for him to resuscitate their hopeless franchise?

Anthony Weaver