January 20, 2026

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, the Tennessee Titans are expected to name Robert Saleh as their franchise's next head coach. Entering 2025, Brian Callahan had head coaching duties but was removed from his role following a 1-5 start. In 2024, Callahan did not find much success as well, leading the Titans to a 3-14 record. Tennessee then turned to interim Mike McCoy for the remainder of the season, and he led them to two victories over their last 11 contests. Saleh served as San Francisco's defensive coordinator in 2025, but had previously served as a head coach with the New York Jets. Across 56 games with the Jets, Saleh posted a modest 20-36 record but typically had an elite defense. In 2022 and 2023, the Jets allowed the fourth and third-fewest yards, respectively, but were held back by their offense. Over two stints as the 49ers' defensive coordinator (2017-2020, 2025), Saleh saw similar success, as the team typically boasted one of the sport's top defensive units. In 2019, they allowed the second-fewest yards and third-fewest total points. This past season, despite dealing with numerous injuries, the San Francisco defense allowed the 13th-fewest total points and was dominant against the run, allowing the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game. The defensive-minded coach will be a great fit for a Titans squad that allowed 28.1 PPG (fifth-highest in the sport) last season.--Andy Smith
Source: Ian Rapoport