Robert Saleh's high praise for Cam Ward offers hope for Titans

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

HC Robert Saleh's high praise for QB Cam Ward offers some hope for struggling Titans

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 6:28 PM ET

It's safe to say new Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh likes Cam Ward way more than the quarterbacks who started for him when he was with the New York Jets.

Tennessee is giving Saleh a second chance as a HC, even though he went 20-36 as Jets HC from 2021-24. Failing to find the right QB prevented him from turning New York into a winner. During his tenure, the Jets started six QBs, including bust Zach Wilson and an over-the-hill Aaron Rodgers.

In his second act, Saleh will try to prove the QB problems were the main reason he failed in New York. He seems to think Ward gives him an excellent chance of doing so. On Tuesday, the coach said he finds the QB "very personable" and added his dedication has impressed him.

Robert Saleh offers high praise for Cam Ward

"It's very important to him. That building is very, very important to him, and you can tell he wants to lead it," Saleh said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "A man who is built the way he is, who is wired the way he is, who works the way he does, it is very rare that those people don't find success. So, we are excited to get to work with him."

"A man who is built the way he is, who is wired the way he is, who works the way he does...it's very rare that those people don't find success"

HC Robert Saleh on @Cameron7Ward pic.twitter.com/ezZ4LqamXk
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) February 24, 2026

Ward's work ethic has always stood out. During his rookie season, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft reportedly held meetings at 5 a.m. every day of minicamp to help other rookies learn the offense. That still didn't translate into wins.

The Titans went 3-14 in 2025 and fired head coach Brian Callahan after Week 6. Overall, it was an up-and-down year for Ward, who flashed arm talent but struggled to generate long drives consistently. In 17 starts, the Miami Hurricanes product completed 323-of-540 passes (59.8%, below average) for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

Saleh added former New York Giants HC Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator to help Ward fine-tune his game. The coach, of course, played a key role in the development of Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen when he was the team's OC from 2018-21.

The coach is also calling on second-year general manager Mike Borgonzi to provide the QB with more support. Saleh told ESPN's Rich Eisen on Tuesday that it's "unrealistic" to expect Ward to carry the team.

The Titans — who haven't made the playoffs since the 2021 season — are a long way from becoming a respectable organization. However, Saleh's endorsement of Ward offers the franchise and its fan base some hope. Perhaps it'll give the QB the confidence he needs to deliver on his promise.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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