The Tennessee Titans announced the departure of Chad Brinker, president of football operations, on Tuesday, following a period where the team recorded a 12-39 win-loss record, including 3-14 in each of the last two seasons, directly impacting the experience of the franchise's loyal fanbase.
Brinker stated he is leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities, a decision that follows significant internal restructuring within the team's top management.
Brinker initially joined the Titans organization in 2023.
He was subsequently elevated to the role of president of football operations the following year.
During his time in Nashville, the team's performance included the aforementioned 12-39 overall record.
This record notably featured consecutive 3-14 seasons in the last two years of his tenure.
In a public statement, Brinker conveyed, “It has been an honor to serve as president of football operations of the Tennessee Titans. Over the years, I’ve understood and embraced my role as the leader of the football strategy, but as I’ve spent less time in personnel, I have a renewed conviction that it is time to return to what I love and move towards my next chapter.” This statement highlights a personal re-evaluation of his role amidst organizational changes.
Executive Decisions and Performance
In January of the same year, the Titans implemented a streamlining of roles for both Brinker and general manager Mike Borgonzi. This restructuring occurred as the team prepared for the hiring of Robert Saleh as its new head coach, indicating a top-down strategic realignment.
General manager Mike Borgonzi was responsible for leading the search process that ultimately resulted in the hiring of Saleh.
Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk addressed fans at the time of the restructuring, outlining the new division of responsibilities within the elite management.
Strunk specified that Borgonzi would serve as general manager “in the most traditional sense — pick and support the players, oversee the coaching staff.” This concentrated power over core football operations.
Conversely, Strunk stated that Brinker would “continue to lead everything else about the football team,” indicating a shift away from direct personnel decisions for the outgoing executive.
Internal Restructuring and Authority
Strunk publicly thanked Brinker for his contributions to the franchise following his resignation.
She remarked, “When we first met Chad, it was clear he was an exceptional talent with deep knowledge of the game and the ability to connect big-picture strategy to execution.” This acknowledgment came alongside her acceptance of his departure.
Strunk further added, “While it is difficult to lose him, I understand his decision and will do whatever I can to support him,” underscoring the elite-level management's handling of executive transitions.
With Borgonzi now leading the Titans’ draft room, the team recently selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate as the No. 4 overall pick in last week’s NFL draft, a decision made under the newly defined leadership structure.