Titans Hire 49ers’ Robert Saleh as Head Coach, Source Confirms
The Tennessee Titans are set to hire Robert Saleh, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, as their next head coach. This decision comes after a rigorous interview process, during which the Titans sought an experienced leader to guide their team into a new era.
Titans Confirm Hiring of Robert Saleh as Head Coach
A league source has confirmed that Robert Saleh, age 46, will take the reins of the Titans, marking a significant shift for the franchise. Saleh previously served as the head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 until midway through the 2024 season. During his tenure with the Jets, he recorded a 20-36 win-loss record, with no playoff appearances.
Saleh’s Coaching Journey
After parting ways with the Jets, Saleh spent the latter part of the 2024 season as an offensive consultant with the Green Bay Packers. He then returned to San Francisco in 2025, resuming his role as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.
- 2021-2024: Head coach of the New York Jets
- 2024: Offensive consultant for the Green Bay Packers
- 2025: Defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers
Titans’ Recent Coaching Search
The Titans’ decision follows a series of interviews with various candidates, including a planned virtual meeting with Saleh that was eventually changed to an in-person interview. They also considered other prominent coaches, including:
- Jeff Hafley – Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator
- Matt Nagy – Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator
Notably, Saleh’s hiring comes after the Titans’ organizational changes, including the firing of Brian Callahan in October 2025. The Titans aim to bounce back from a challenging 2025 season, in which they ranked fifth-worst in the league for points allowed.
What Saleh Brings to the Titans
Under Saleh’s leadership, the Titans will seek to enhance their defensive performance while developing quarterback Cam Ward, the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward concluded his rookie season strongly, throwing for two touchdowns in each of his last four games.
Looking ahead, the Titans enter the 2026 offseason with over $100 million in salary cap space, the highest in the league, and hold the No. 4 pick in the upcoming draft. This position provides Saleh with an opportunity to build a competitive team more effectively.
As Saleh becomes the 20th head coach in Titans history, the franchise looks to rebuild and restore its legacy, aiming for its first playoff appearance since 2021 and a return to the Super Bowl, last reached in 1999.
