Titans Complete Interviews With Matt Nagy, Robert Saleh as Finalists for Head Coach Job
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans have reached a critical juncture in their coaching search, having completed interviews with two of the most prominent finalists for the vacant head coach position: Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Both candidates met with Titans team officials in recent days, with Nagy participating in a virtual interview and Saleh making an in-person appearance in Nashville.
This development follows a thorough evaluation process that included interviews with a total of 15 candidates over the first two weeks of the search. The Titans' search committee has now narrowed the field to these two finalists, setting the stage for what could be a decisive announcement in the near future.
Meeting the Finalists: Matt Nagy and Robert Saleh
Mat Nagy: A Seasoned Offensive Mind
Matt Nagy brings a wealth of experience to the table, having just completed his ninth season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, where he served as the team's offensive coordinator for the past five years. His tenure in Kansas City has been marked by success, including three Super Bowl appearances, with victories in Super Bowl LVII and LVIII. Nagy's offensive prowess was particularly evident during his time with the Chiefs, where he played a key role in quarterback Patrick Mahomes' development, including Mahomes' rookie season in 2017.
Before his stint as offensive coordinator, Nagy had a previous head coaching stint with the Chicago Bears from 2018 to 2021. During that time, he earned the Associated Press and PFWA Coach of the Year honors in 2018 and led the Bears to one division championship and two playoff appearances. Nagy's resume also includes time on the coaching staff of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as an offensive quality control coach and coaches' assistant.
Titans officials have been impressed with Nagy's offensive philosophy and his ability to develop quarterbacks. His experience in the Chiefs' high-powered offense, which consistently ranks among the league's best, could provide a significant boost to the Titans' own offensive capabilities.
Robert Saleh: A Defensive Specialist
Robert Saleh, on the other hand, brings a different but equally compelling set of credentials to the conversation. Having just finished his 21st NFL season, Saleh is in his second stint as the 49ers' defensive coordinator. His coaching journey includes three-plus seasons as the head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024, where his teams posted a combined record of 20-36.
Before taking the helm in New York, Saleh spent four seasons (2017-2020) as the defensive coordinator for the 49ers, a period that included a standout 2019 season when he was named Coordinator of the Year by Sporting News. That year, Saleh led the 49ers defense to rank second in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (281.8), a defensive performance that had not been seen since 1997.
Saleh's defensive expertise is complemented by a deep understanding of the game, gained through years of experience with various NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he served as the linebackers coach, and the Seattle Seahawks, where he worked as a defensive quality control coach. His extensive background in defense could prove invaluable to the Titans, who have often struggled to maintain consistency on that side of the ball in recent years.
The Titans' Decision Process
The Titans' coaching search has been methodical and thorough, with the team interviewing a diverse range of candidates over the past two weeks. The process began with virtual interviews, which allowed the search committee to cast a wide net and evaluate a large number of potential candidates. As the search progressed, the team began scheduling in-person interviews with the most promising candidates, a step that reflects the importance of the decision and the desire to get to know the finalists on a deeper level.
The decision to bring Robert Saleh to Nashville for an in-person interview was particularly notable. Initially scheduled for a virtual meeting, the opportunity arose after the 49ers' loss to the Seahawks on Saturday night, freeing up Saleh's schedule. The Titans' search committee, impressed with Saleh's credentials and the information they had gathered during the virtual phase, seized the opportunity to meet with him in person.
Titans officials have emphasized that the coaching search is about finding the right fit for the team, both on and off the field. The ideal candidate will not only have the strategic acumen to lead the Titans to success on the gridiron but also the leadership qualities to inspire the team and connect with the community. Both Nagy and Saleh have demonstrated strong leadership skills in their respective roles, making them compelling candidates for the job.
What Lies Ahead for the Titans
As the Titans finalize their coaching search, the focus now turns to the next steps in the process. While no timeline has been announced for a final decision, it is expected that the team will move quickly to wrap up the search and announce their new head coach in the coming days or weeks.
The selection of a new head coach will be a pivotal moment for the Titans, who are looking to return to the playoffs and compete for a championship in the near future. The new coach will inherit a roster with a mix of young talent and experienced players, tasked with building on the team's strengths and addressing its weaknesses.
Regardless of who is ultimately chosen, the Titans' commitment to finding the right leader is clear. The team's exhaustive search process and the high caliber of the finalists underscore the importance of this decision and the Titans' determination to get it right.
Titans fans, meanwhile, will be eagerly awaiting news on who will lead their team next. The interviews with Nagy and Saleh have generated significant buzz, with both candidates garnering strong support from those who have followed their careers. The coming days will undoubtedly bring more clarity on the Titans' coaching situation, and with it, renewed hope for the future of the team.