Predicting the 2026 Titans Head Coaching Hire!

NFLTitans
Written By Spicy Curry Productions

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The Tennessee Titans are off and running on their head coaching search, as the team has already sat down for virtual interviews with multiple candidates and has a ton of meetings left before making a decision.

It’s still incredibly early in the process, but I’m still going to throw my prediction out there on who the Titans will hire to be their hopeful head coach of the future!

Written by Dharya Sharma

Founder/Owner of SharmSports. NFL contributor at The Sporting News



AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

MY OFFICIAL PREDICTION: Titans hire Robert Saleh

Before I get into why I believe the Titans will hire Robert Saleh to be the 22nd head coach in franchise history, let’s take a look at who Tennessee has interviewed so far, who they’re set to interview, and who they’ve requested to interview.

  • ALREADY INTERVIEWED: Interim HC Mike McCoy, Colts DC Lou Anarumo, Broncos DC Vance Joseph, Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo

  • WILL INTERVIEW: Former Cowboys HC Jason Garrett, former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski, former Falcons HC Raheem Morris, ormer Dallas Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy

  • REQUESTED TO INTERVIEW: Former Commanders OC/Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury, Steelers OC Arthur Smith, 49ers DC Robert Saleh, Packers DC Jeff Hafley, Chargers DC Jesse Minter, Rams DC Chris Shula

This list will continue to grow as candidates become available, but I already think Tennessee’s next head coach is on the list, and it’s Robert Saleh.

There is a common theme among the candidates on the list so far: Most of them already have head coaching experience. Saleh’s first stint as a head coach with the New York Jets didn’t go very well, as he posted a 20-36 record through three and a half seasons before being fired during the 2024 campaign.

However, having success with the Jets is nearly impossible, and the franchise has looked significantly worse since moving on from Saleh.

After being fired by New York, Saleh went back to where he first made a name for himself: The San Francisco 49ers. From 2017 to 2020, Saleh served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator and elevated the unit into one of the best in football.

Now back in San Francisco in 2025, Saleh is once again impressing as the defensive coordinator. Though the 49ers have dealt with a ton of injuries on defense, particularly to All-Pros Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, Saleh still has the group playing hard, as they rank 13th in scoring defense. It hasn’t been pretty at all times, but the defense is exceeding expectations with key players out.

Bringing in Saleh would be a fantastic hire by the Titans. The 46-year-old would immediately garner respect from the players, and he has the ability to completely shift the culture in Tennessee.

Additionally, hiring Saleh would give Tennessee a plethora of intriguing offensive coordinator candidates due to the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree. Mike McDaniel is the obvious one. Saleh and McDaniel spent time together in San Francisco, and bringing in McDaniel to serve as the OC while also aiding in quarterback Cam Ward’s development would be an excellent move.

Even if the Titans can’t land McDaniel to be the offensive coordinator if they hire Saleh, Tennessee will have other options. Maybe 49ers OC Klay Kubiak decides to leave San Francisco with Saleh to call plays with the Titans and elevate his status as a potential future head coaching candidate?

Rams OC Mike LaFleur, 49ers QB coach Mick Lombardi, Chargers QB coach Shane Day, and Dolphins Senior passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik are also possible OC candidates who could come with Saleh.

Overall, Saleh wouldn’t be an eye-popping hire by the Titans, and his tenure with the Jets does raise some questions. However, his leadership and intricate defensive mind make him an ideal candidate for most jobs around the league, and if he can bring a capable offensive coordinator with him, Tennessee could be in for an exciting future.

Spicy Curry Productions