The Tennessee Titans have agreed to hire Robert Saleh as their next head coach, turning to the experienced defensive strategist in hopes of reversing a troubling trend that has marked recent seasons.
A person familiar with the agreement confirmed to The Tennessean that Tennessee and Saleh have reached terms, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the hire has not yet been formally announced.
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The move comes after years of instability for Tennessee, highlighted by four consecutive losing seasons, multiple leadership changes, and just 12 victories over the last 58 games. The franchise hopes that bringing in a coach with a strong defensive pedigree will stabilize the team and lay the foundation for long-term competitiveness.
Saleh arrives after a stint with the San Francisco 49ers, where he completed his second term as defensive coordinator in 2025.
His return to the Bay Area followed a challenging head coaching period with the New York Jets, a role he held from 2021 until being dismissed five games into the 2024 season. During that tenure, Saleh compiled a 20-36 record and never finished higher than third in the AFC East.
Despite the uneven results in New York, Saleh retained his reputation as a defensive architect. The Jets fielded elite defenses in both 2022 and 2023, led by standout performances from Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, and C.J. Mosley.
Offensive inconsistencies, including difficulties developing Zach Wilson and the early-season injury to Aaron Rodgers in 2023, hindered the team’s overall success.
Defensive expertise and lessons from adversity
Saleh demonstrated adaptability in his latest role with San Francisco. The 49ers’ 2025 defense suffered major injuries, losing key contributors like Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and first-round pick Mykel Williams.
Despite ranking near the bottom in sacks and interceptions, his adjustments kept the team competitive in the NFC playoff picture, showcasing his ability to maximize limited resources.
His coaching journey has been a steady ascent. Saleh began as an intern and quality control assistant with Houston and Seattle before earning his first position coach role with Jacksonville in 2014, serving three seasons as linebackers coach under former Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
This experience laid the groundwork for his later achievements with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco.
While defense remains his specialty, Saleh is well connected in offensive coaching circles. His relationship with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur dates back to their days as graduate assistants at Central Michigan in 2004.
After leaving the Jets, Saleh consulted with the Packers late in 2024, further broadening his perspective on all facets of NFL team management.
With Robert Saleh now set to take the helm, Tennessee hopes that his defensive expertise, leadership experience, and league-wide connections can transform a struggling franchise into a playoff contender once more.
