The Tennessee Titans’ disappointing 2024 season culminated in a Week 18 loss, securing them the undesirable yet valuable No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the architect of their future roster won’t be the one making that crucial selection. General Manager Ran Carthon, after just two seasons at the helm, was relieved of his duties, leaving the Titans in search of a new leader for their front office. Carthon’s tenure was marked by a dismal 9-25 record, including a 3-14 finish in the 2024 season, ultimately sealing his fate. Team owner Amy Adams Strunk expressed her disappointment in the team’s performance, emphasizing the need for a change in direction to secure a brighter future for the franchise. While acknowledging Carthon’s talent and character, Strunk made it clear that the team’s lack of progress necessitated a new approach.
Strunk’s decision underscores the urgency of the situation in Tennessee. The Titans’ recent struggles have fallen short of expectations, and the owner’s commitment to building a winning team is evident in her decisive action. The message to fans is clear: the current level of performance is unacceptable, and the organization is dedicated to assembling a team worthy of their support. The firing of Carthon serves as a stark reminder of the pressure to succeed in the NFL, where even recent hires can be dismissed if the results don’t materialize.
Despite the upheaval in the front office, Head Coach Brian Callahan will retain his position, offering some semblance of continuity for the Titans. The focus now shifts to finding Carthon’s replacement, a task entrusted to President of Football Operations Chad Brinker. Brinker has outlined a clear vision for the ideal candidate: a seasoned scout with a proven track record of evaluating college talent and constructing successful rosters. This individual should possess a deep understanding of how to build a team, recognizing the interconnectedness of personnel decisions and their long-term implications.
Brinker’s emphasis on a “ball-all-day” general manager highlights the desired dedication and singular focus on roster construction. This individual should be consumed by the process of evaluating players, watching film, and collaborating with the coaching staff to create a cohesive and competitive team. The new general manager will be responsible for identifying and acquiring talent, not simply collecting players, but assembling a winning combination. This strategic approach aims to ensure that the Titans not only compete in the present but also build a sustainable foundation for future success.
The incoming general manager will inherit a team with both significant challenges and promising opportunities. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft offers the chance to select a potential franchise-altering player, while a projected $61 million in cap space provides flexibility to address other roster needs. One of the most pressing decisions facing the new general manager will be the quarterback position. The struggles of second-year quarterback Will Levis in the 2024 season raise questions about his long-term viability as the starter and whether the Titans will use their top pick to select a signal-caller or address other needs.
The search for a new general manager will be a crucial period for the Tennessee Titans. The team’s future hinges on finding the right individual to lead their front office and build a winning roster. The combination of the No. 1 draft pick and ample cap space presents a unique opportunity for the new general manager to reshape the team and set a new course for the franchise. The Titans’ faithful will be watching closely as the team embarks on this pivotal search, hoping for a brighter future on the gridiron.
