Titans’ next GM will likely enter job with handcuffs already on

It seems that Tennessee Titans president of football operations, Chad Brinker, is the real head honcho, regardless of who is hired as GM.

Tennessee Titans president of football operations, Chad Brinker, has been tasked with finding a new general manager after the team decided to part ways with Ran Carthon after just two seasons.

The team that won six games in Carthon’s first season as GM saw half as many wins in his second year, which is what Amy Adams Strunk cited as the reason for his departure.

Brinker joined the Titans in 2023 as Carthon’s assistant general manager and was promoted to his current position at the conclusion of the 2023 season. This happened in the same breath (almost) as the firing of Mike Vrabel while Carthon remained on as general manager.

Brinker and Carthon seemed to have a relationship that was tighter than ever, Brinker even saying that they “clicked right away” and were very much on the same page.

So, what happened in 2024 to change all of that? Brian Callahan became the head coach and Will Levis became the starting quarterback. And remember: Brinker helped draft Levis in 2023 and certainly had a hand in Callahan’s hiring.

But Carthon took all the heat for all of 2024’s failures, and the Titans’ messaging has become muddied and unclear.

And it appears that Brinker will have the final say in all personnel decisions going forward, so what kind of power is a new general manager really going to have? It’s so muddied that even the NFL took its time to approve the Titans’ job posting.

This is because the Titans want to give Brinker the “tie-breaking vote” between Callahan and the new general manager when it comes to personnel decisions.

From the outside looking in, it appears that Brinker has all of the power with player personnel for the Titans and that whoever comes in as general manager will simply be a face. The way this is being handled by the organization is not going to pan out well because who wants that job? No one wants to be the person to come in, have no power, and then be the scapegoat when it all falls apart.

The Titans must do better. And if the GM is going to have actual power, they need to make very clear where those lines are and what responsibilities they actually have.

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Titans release interview schedule for general manager candidates

The Tennessee Titans have set the interview schedule with the nine candidates for their open general manager position.

The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of a general manager search after owner Amy Adams Strunk made the decision to move on from general manager Ran Carthon after two seasons running the franchise’s front office.

The Titans will now begin the search for a new general manager and have set up interviews with nine candidates starting today.


While there is no indication whether these interviews will be in-person or virtual, the fact that they are moving quickly likely means that this search will not linger on. It’s a good sign for Titans fans with the organization sitting at a crossroads.

The Titans were 9-25 in Carthon’s two seasons, including a 3-14 record in 2024 that earned the team the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.  President of Football Operations Chad Brinker will head up the search for a new general manager.

Check out the general manager tracker here on Titans Wire for profiles and all of the updates on the search.

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Three Titans named to the Athletic’s All-Rookie team

Tennessee Titans’ JC Latham, T’Vondre Sweat and Jarvis Browlee were named to The Athetic’s regular-season All-Rookie team.

The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of their general manager search after firing Ran Carthon just two years into his stint. After finishing the 3-14 season, this is a crucial time for the franchise. 

With the team holding the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft, the team needs some clarity and stability in their front office. The roster lacks depth and talent at many positions and there are many tough decisions ahead. Still, 2024 wasn’t a total loss, especially with some bright spots from the 2024 NFL draft. 

JC Latham, T’Vondre Sweat and Jarvis Brownlee all played major roles in 2024, while Cedric Gray, Jha’Quan Jackson, James Williams and Jaylen Harrell all logged playing time and gained valuable experience. 

Three of those players, though, performed better than many expected and played their way onto Dane Brugler’s regular-season All-Rookie Team for The Athletic.

Offensive tackle

Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers (Round 1, No. 5); JC Latham, Tennessee Titans (Round 1, No. 7)

The Chargers passed on Nabers, but I don’t know many who believe they made the wrong choice. That is how good Alt has been.
He is incredibly consistent with his steps, hands and body movements to frame up rushers and win with leverage. And he is doing all this at a position he hadn’t played before this season. This is going to sound hyperbolic, but based on Alt’s performance and development, it wouldn’t be surprising if he ascends to be the league’s top right tackle at some point the next few seasons.
While Alt moved from the left side to the right, Latham made the reverse transition and played well in his first season at left tackle. It was far from perfect, and he had understandable struggles for a rookie, but Tennessee can feel comfortable it has its long-term left tackle.

Latham was far from perfect, especially down the stretch, but he did show the talent to be a solid NFL lineman. There were some bumps with his transition to left tackle, although he did hold up. The Titans have options moving forward if a better left tackle prospect comes along, with his ability to slide back to right tackle and be a dominant force that solidifies arguably their biggest hole.  

Braden Fiske, Los Angeles Rams (Round 2, No. 39); T’Vondre Sweat, Tennessee Titans (Round 2, No. 38)

Fiske finished as the rookie leader in sacks (8.5) and collected 51 pressures, three behind Quinnen Williams. He always had the twitchy urgency and quickness to make an impact in the NFL, but the continued development with his hands was awesome to see.
Selected one spot before Fiske, Sweat generally was viewed as a potential first-round pick based on size and ability, but questions about his weight and off-field consistency removed him from several boards. The Titans rolled the dice and, so far, that gamble has paid off. Sweat might never be a playmaker as a pass rusher, but he destroys gaps in the run game and has better range than his 360-pound size would suggest.

Sweat out-played all of the noise surrounding him coming out of Texas and proved to be a force in the middle of their defense. While there is room for growth in technique, you cannot teach his natural combination of size and athleticism. Sweat appears to be an anchor for the defense and was a big hit in the second round. 

Brownlee did not finish in the top four cornerbacks on this end of the season list, but was given an honorable mention nod by Brugler and rightfully so. He was thrust into action and delivered. Yes, it wasn’t the smoothest year and he had a rollercoaster season, but no one expected him to jump into the starting role early in the season. When L’Jarious Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie were out, Brownlee stepped in and held his own. If Sneed can return healthy in 2025, the Titans cornerback room looks to be in good hands.

While none of the rookies were perfect, they showed signs with their performances that they can be foundational pieces for the future. With the Titans holding the No. 1 overall selection, fans hope that the next general manager can select players that will have a similar impact in 2025 and beyond. 

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Titans seek to interview Seahawks’ Matt Berry for open GM spot

The Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Seattle Seahawks’ director of player personnel Matt Berry for the general manager position.

The Tennessee Titans have wasted no time in reaching out to other teams to request interviews in their quest to find a replacement for Ran Carthon.

After sending requests to several teams on Wednesday, they started off Thursday sending another to the Seattle Seahawks.

Berry joined Seattle as a regional scout and worked his way up the ladder. He became a national scout for the team in 2014, and in 2015 he became the director of college scouting. In 2023, he was promoted to senior director of player personnel, and the logical next step is to be an assistant general manager or a general manager.

His experience with scouting and the time he’s spent looking at college players aligns very well with what the Titans are looking for in a general manager. Chad Brinker wants to build through the draft, and that’s exactly what Berry is good at.

Whether he lands the job remains to be seen, but when his interview is scheduled we will update this article with the latest information available.

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Frank Wycheck’s family announces ex-Titan had Stage III CTE

Former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck died in 2023. His family announced on Thursday that he had Stage III CTE.

Former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck passed away at the age of 52 in 2023. Before his death, he was vocal about his belief that he suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and that he planned to donate his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation after he died.

On Thursday, just one day after the 25th anniversary of the Music City Miracle, Wycheck’s family announced that he did, in fact, suffer from CTE.

CTE is a neurodegenerative disease typically caused by repeated blows to the head and has become a focal point for players and medical personnel alike throughout all levels of football. Repeated head injuries cause damage to the brain that leads to symptoms like dementia, depression, behavioral changes, motor skill problems, and more.

Wycheck isn’t the first player to suspect he has CTE, which is why he wanted to donate his brain for study. Unfortunately, a CTE diagnosis can only be determined post-mortem because the symptoms it causes can also be caused by many other conditions. No blood test or imaging can detect CTE at this time.

The NFL and other professional leagues where concussions are prominent have taken measures over the last 15 years or so to make changes to their respective games. Rule changes, equipment changes, adjustments to workouts, diets, and other regiments. But we won’t see the fruits of that labor for many years.

As a Titan, Wycheck is known for his part in the Music City Miracle. After his playing days, he did a stint as a professional wrestler and was a staple in Nashville radio as a color commentator and radio show host.

We send our deepest condolences to the Wycheck family during this time and extend our heartfelt gratitude for sharing Frank’s story.

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Titans plan to interview former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff

The Tennessee Titans plan to interview Thomas Dimitroff for their open general manager position.

The Tennessee Titans made waves on Tuesday when they fired general manager Ran Carthon. On Wednesday, they set out to find his replacement.  

President of football operations Chad Brinker began his search to replace Carthon and started reaching out to potential candidates. We outlined some of the potential candidates yesterday, but as always, new ones emerge. 

One name we didn’t mention in our 10 potential candidates is currently available without a request: former Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

Dimitroff has been out of the league since being let go during the 2020 season by the Falcons. He was Atlanta’s general manager from 2008 to 2020 and recently interviewed with the New York Jets for their opening. Dimitroff has a solid background in personnel, starting off as a scout with the Kansas City Chiefs and continuing through the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots before being hired as a general manager by the Falcons. 

The Titans are said to be looking for a personnel guy and Dimitroff has a background that makes him an attractive candidate.

We will continually update the general manager search as each candidate interviews. Check back for any and all information.

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Titans’ JC Latham and T’Vondre Sweat named to the PFF All-Rookie team

Tennessee Titans’ JC Latham and T’Vondre Sweat were named to the Pro Football Focus (PFF) regular-season All-Rookie team.

The Tennessee Titans just finished off a disappointing 3-14 campaign where nothing seemed to go right. Now, entering the offseason, they have a multitude of questions to answer; more now that the fired general manager Ran Carthon. 

There is no doubt that the team was flawed and the roster lacked depth and talent at many positions. Yet, there were some bright spots, especially with some of their selections in the 2024 NFL draft. 

JC Latham, T’Vondre Sweat and Jarvis Brownlee all played major roles in 2024, while Cedric Gray, Jha’Quan Jackson, James Williams and Jaylen Harrell all logged playing time and gained valuable experience. 

Two players, though, performed better than many expected and played their way onto PFF’s regular-season All-Rookie Team.

TACKLES

JC LathamTennessee Titans and Joe AltLos Angeles Chargers

On the left side, it was between Latham and Taliese Fuaga. Latham was a tad more consistent and flashed some long-term starter potential. The right side was an easier pick, as Alt showed why such a high pick was invested in him. A top-20 finish of all tackles as a rookie is no easy feat.

Latham came in and made the transition to left tackle. Yes, he seemed to hit the rookie wall and struggled down the stretch, but his athleticism and leadership were apparent all season. 

DEFENSIVE INTERIOR

T’Vondre Sweat, Tennessee Titans and Braden FiskeLos Angeles Rams

We didn’t see fireworks from the rookies here, but Sweat showed long-term starter potential due to some good work against the run. Fiske, on the other hand, struggled against the run, but his production rushing the passer got him selected.

Sweat was an immovable object in the middle of the Titans defense. Known as more of a run stuffer, Sweat flashed three-down ability and proved to be an outstanding compliment to Jeffery Simmons. 

While neither Latham nor Sweat were perfect, they showed signs with their performances that they can be foundational pieces for the future. With the Titans holding the No. 1 overall selection, fans hope that the next general manager can select players that will have a similar impact in 2025 and beyond. 

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Titans request to Interview Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray

The Tennessee Titans have requested permission to interview Terrance Gray for their open general manager position.

The Tennessee Titans sent ripples through the NFL landscape on Tuesday when they fired general manager Ran Carthon. On Wednesday, they set out to find his replacement.  

President of football operations Chad Brinker began his search to replace Carthon and started reaching out to potential candidates. We outlined some of the potential candidates yesterday, but as always, new ones emerge. 

One name we didn’t mention in our article on 10 potential candidates was one of the first requests to come out, Buffalo Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray.

Gray has seen his stock rise in recent years and made his rounds during the 2024 general manager hiring cycle, interviewing with the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. He has 21-years worth of experience at all levels of the front office after starting his career in the college scouting department with the Kansas City Chiefs. In all, he has worked with the Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings and Bills. 

The Titans are said to be looking for a personnel guy and Gray has the experience that makes him attractive.

We will continually update the general manager search as each candidate interviews. Check back for any and all information.

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Titans Request to Interview Bucs Assistant GM John Spytek

The Tennessee Titans have requested permission to interview John Spytek for their open general manager position.

The Tennessee Titans made a major announcement on Tuesday when they fired general manager Ran Carthon. On Wednesday, they set out to find his replacement.  

President of football operations Chad Brinker began his search to replace Carthon and started reaching out to potential candidates. We outlined some of the potential candidates yesterday, but as always, new ones emerge. 

One name we didn’t mention in our 10 potential candidates was one of the first requests to come out: Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek.


Spytek is another candidate with a tremendous amount of experience within scouting departments across the NFL. In his career, he has spent time as a scout with the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos. When he arrived in Tampa Bay in 2016, he started his climb up the ladder under general manager Jason Licht and has played a major role in the development of the Bucs roster. 

The Titans are said to be looking for a personnel guy and Spytek has the experience that makes him an attractive candidate.

We will continually update the general manager search as each candidate interviews. Check back for any and all information.

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Titans Request to Interview Colts Assistant GM Ed Dodds

The Tennessee Titans have requested permission to interview Ed Dobbs for their open general manager position.

The Tennessee Titans surprised many observers on Tuesday when they fired general manager Ran Carthon. On Wednesday, they set out to find his replacement.  

President of football operations Chad Brinker began his search to replace Carthon and started reaching out to potential candidates. We outlined some of the potential candidates yesterday, but as always, new ones emerge. 

One name we didn’t mention in our 10 potential candidates was one of the first requests to come out: Indianapolis Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds.


Dodds is an interesting candidate who has worked in Indianapolis with general manager Chris Ballard since 2017. Dodds would bring 21-years of experience to the Titans front office, including stints in scouting and personnel before ascending to the assistant general manager position with the Colts. In all, he has worked for the Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Colts during his career. 

The Titans are said to be looking for a personnel guy and Dodds has the experience that makes him attractive.

We will continually update the general manager search as each candidate interviews. Check back for any and all information.

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