The Tennessee Titans have made a significant change in their leadership by parting ways with general manager Ran Carthon after two disappointing seasons marked by a 9-25 record. Carthon, who was brought on as the franchise’s first Black general manager in January 2023, played a role in hiring head coach Brian Callahan, but ultimately, the results did not meet expectations.
Tennessee’s controlling owner, Amy Adams Strunk, acknowledged that the team’s performance failed to improve during Carthon’s tenure. Following a dreadful season that ended with a 14 losses — tying the franchise record since moving to Tennessee in 1997 — Strunk emphasized the need for a new direction. “I love this team more than you can imagine. To our fans, we know this level of performance isn’t acceptable,” she stated, expressing her commitment to giving fans the competitive team they deserve.
With a crucial NFL draft looming, where the Titans hold the No. 1 pick after finishing with just three wins, Strunk has tasked Chad Brinker, the president of football operations, with leading the search for Carthon’s replacement. This search comes on the heels of another major personnel change, as the team also plans to continue with Callahan as the head coach despite the team’s struggles.
During his time, Carthon tried to bolster the roster by making the Titans significant players in last offseason’s free agency. He brought in key players, including cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, center Lloyd Cushenberry, wide receiver Calvin Ridley, and running back Tony Pollard. However, injuries sidelined several of these acquisitions, limiting their contributions on the field.
Titans president and CEO Burke Nihill noted that Carthon was hired under different expectations than those of the team’s current vision for its general manager role. The organization is now looking for a GM who can closely collaborate with the head coach to drive the team forward.
Despite the difficulties faced during the season, such as turnovers and penalties, the Titans remain hopeful as they prepare for the future. The upcoming draft is seen as a pivotal moment for the franchise, and they hope the new leadership will help turn the team’s fortunes around.
