NFL, Tennessee Titans coach search rumors, news, latest updates

The NFL coaching carousel continues turning, and the Tennessee Titans remain at the center of it.

The Titans fired former coach Brian Callahan in October, becoming the first team to enter the sweepstakes to find a new head coach for the 2026 season. They are slow-playing the search process, with GM Mike Borgonzi and president of football operations Chad Brinker leaning on their knowledge and expertise from working in the NFL to guide them once the season is over and interviews can be conducted.

The New York Giants have joined the Titans in need of a coach after firing Brian Daboll in November. Neither team has won since getting rid of its coach; both have first-round rookie quarterbacks who'll need new coaches to set the agendas for their burgeoning careers, and likely new offensive coordinators to set new playing styles as well.

Meanwhile, teams across the league have already made moves away from coordinators and position coaches, opening more jobs and creating more uncertainty.

Here are the latest news items, rumors and noteworthy happenings on the NFL coach search market.

Titans coach search updates: Latest news, rumors, NFL happenings

Two NFL coordinators fired, including 1 with Titans ties

Late on Nov. 23, news broke that the Las Vegas Raiders were parting ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, formerly the head coach in Philadelphia and San Francisco who also experienced major success as a college coach and coordinator. On Nov. 24, the Giants dismissed defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who previously had worked as the Titans' DC under coach Mike Vrabel.

The Giants' decision doesn't change much about the coach search market; it was already understood they would be making changes this offseason after firing Daboll. The move in Vegas makes things interesting, as the Raiders' choice to shake things up amid a 2-9 start does raise questions about the first-year regime moving forward. This is especially true given the struggles of an offense built around quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ashton Jeanty.

Which NFL coaches have been fired?

Two head coaches have been fired so far: Brian Callahan by the Titans and Brian Daboll by the New York Giants.

Which NFL head coaches are on the hot seat?

Arizona's Jonathan Gannon, Atlanta's Raheem Morris and Miami's Mike McDaniel are among the top contenders to be the next coach fired, although McDaniel's Dolphins have played better as of late.

Other longer-tenured coaches like Cleveland's Kevin Stefanski and Cincinnati's Zac Taylor also could be on the chopping block as negative results continue to pile up. Las Vegas' Pete Carroll has been disappointing in Year 1, but it feels a little early to move on from a Super Bowl winning coach.

Who are top NFL coach candidates?

Among offensive coordinators, some of the top candidates include Buffalo's Joe Brady, Pittsburgh's Arthur Smith, Kansas City's Matt Nagy, Washington's Kliff Kingsbury and Seattle's Klint Kubiak.

Among defensive coordinators, some of the big names include Houston's Matt Burke, the Chargers' Jesse Minter, Green Bay's Jeff Hafley, Minnesota's Brian Flores, the Rams' Chris Shula and San Francisco's Robert Saleh. Former Dallas and Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy also will be a contender for jobs.

When can NFL teams begin interviewing coaching candidates?

NFL teams may begin conducting interviews with coaches employed by teams that missed the playoffs as soon as their seasons conclude. Coaches employed by playoff teams may participate in virtual initial interviews. Initial interviews with candidates from teams still in the playoffs must conclude by the divisional weekend of the playoffs.

Candidates who are not employed by NFL teams, be they college coaches or coaches between jobs, may interview at any time.

The Rooney Rule requires each team to interview a minimum of two minority, external candidates for jobs such as head coach, general manager and coordinator positions before making a hire.

Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at [email protected]. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans coaching search: Latest NFL hot seat rumors, news, updates