TERESA M. WALKER Pro Football Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh stands on the sideline during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Jan. 3, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker, File)

Titans agree to hire Robert Saleh as coach as they seek to speed up rebuild, AP source says

January 19, 2026

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to hire Robert Saleh as their coach, hoping he can speed up their rebuild and end the franchise’s skid of four straight losing seasons. A person familiar with the decision confirmed it to The Associated Press on Monday night, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced. Saleh spent this season as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, his second stint in that job after spending three-plus seasons as coach of the New York Jets. He did not have a winning season with the Jets and was fired after a 2-3 start in 2024, going 20-36 overall.

FILE - Tennessee Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker, left, walks with team owner Amy Adams Strunk, before the start of a game in Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Titans’ owner streamlines front office roles; Borgonzi to lead coaching search

January 2, 2026

Tennessee controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk has streamlined the roles for her president of football operations and general manager as the Titans prepare to search for a new coach. Strunk said in a message to Titans fans Friday afternoon that president of football operations Chad Brinker and first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi approached her a few weeks ago to talk about their evaluation of this season. Brinker will run the coaching search, have roster control and oversee coaches. Brinker will oversee the salary cap, analytics and other football areas. Strunk says both report to her. The Titans move into a stadium opening in 2027.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (5) reacts after losing to the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Titans try to focus on Jaguars knowing change is coming after season finale

December 29, 2025

The Tennessee Titans know change is coming once this season is finished. The challenge now is staying focused on the finale Sunday in Jacksonville. The Titans won’t get another chance to string together consecutive wins until the 2026 season starts. Hiring a new coach is the first task on the offseason to-do list. These Titans missed out once again on winning back-to-back games with their home finale loss to the New Orleans Saints. That continues a drought that stretches back to November 2022. Worse, the Titans blew a 13-point lead in losing to the Saints. A win Sunday would be Tennessee’s third in the final five games.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Tyler Shough (6) in the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tyler Shough rallies the Saints with a big second half to beat the Titans 34-26

December 28, 2025

Tyler Shough threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Austin Jr. with 6:22 left to put New Orleans Saints ahead to stay as they rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat the Tennessee Titans 34-26 Sunday. Shough improved to 5-3 as a starter helping the Saints win their fourth straight. He outplayed Cam Ward in this NFL’s third game between starting rookie quarterbacks this season. Shough was 22 of 27 for a career-best 333 yards and two touchdowns with a 142.7 passer rating. Ward threw for 251 yards and two TDs. The Titans now go into the 2026 season trying to string together consecutive wins.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew (17) limps off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Chiefs lose another QB to a knee injury. Gardner Minshew knocked out of loss to Titans

December 21, 2025

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says quarterback Gardner Minshew will have an MRI on his injured left knee. Minshew was hurt in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 26-9 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. It was the second straight game that Kansas City lost its starting QB to a knee injury. Patrick Mahomes tore two knee ligaments last week, ending his season. Chris Oladokun replaced Minshew and finished the game. Oladukun went 11 of 16 for 111 yards took four sacks in the first extensive action of his career.

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Titans’ Jeffery Simmons grateful his mom wasn’t at his home during armed burglary

December 18, 2025

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is grateful his mother wasn’t at his house watching him on TV when burglars broke in carrying guns and other weapons. Simmons said Thursday he can replace all the items that were stolen. He said losing a family member would’ve hurt far more than having his home broken into. Simmons discovered his home had been burglarized when he found his garage door open after returning from a road loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Simmons choked up while talking about the burglars. He described as looking like boys or young adults carrying weapons.

Tennessee Titans safety Mike Brown (44) leaves the field after he was ejected from an NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee player says Jaguars punter threatened to ‘kill me’ during Titans loss

November 30, 2025

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut says Jacksonville Jaguars punter Logan Cooke threatened to kill him during the AFC South game. Cooke wasn’t specifically asked about Chestnut’s comments after the loss. A message was left seeking comment from the Jaguars. Chestnut blocked Cooke as the punter got a leg up to trip Titans returner Chimere Dike at the end of a 47-yard return with 14:06 left. Cooke was hurt and evaluated for a concussion before returning to punt at the end of the Jaguars’ next series. The Jaguars and Titans then had another scuffle at the end of Dike’s 13-yard return with 11:49 remaining, with Chestnut and Cooke squaring off.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell signs a beam during a topping out ceremony to celebrate the ongoing construction of the Tennessee Titans NFL football new stadium, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Goodell: Every expectation Nashville will see a Super Bowl with new stadium

November 21, 2025

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell knew the question was coming at the Tennessee Titans’ ceremony Friday before raising the final steel beam into place for their new enclosed stadium. Goodell said Nashville and the Titans put their own stamp on the NFL draft in 2019 changing the trajectory of that annual event with a record attendance. The commissioner said everyone had a wake-up moment then that Nashville is “Super Bowl ready.” Goodell said all Nashville lacked was a stage and now a great stage is being built. The commissioner said the NFL has its process, but he has every expectation Nashville will see that in the future.

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike McCoy shakes hands with players walking off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee Titans tied for NFL’s worst record at 1-8 at midpoint of season

November 3, 2025

The Tennessee Titans have reached the midpoint of a miserable, not good and just plain ugly season with a chance to rest. There may be no team in the NFL that needs its bye more. The Titans are tied with New Orleans for the NFL’s worst record at 1-8. It’s their worst start for this franchise since the then-Houston Oilers lost 14 of their first 15 games before a 2-14 finish in 1994. A change in offensive play-caller and then head coach hasn’t helped. Interim coach Mike McCoy finally gets a bye to reassess what might be changed or tweaked before the second half of the season.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) runs next to Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Chargers’ Daiyan Henley plays through grief after brother’s shooting death

November 2, 2025

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley started and played Sunday because football is his escape. The linebacker needed that more than ever after the shooting death of his older brother. Henley came through Sunday with seven tackles, his third sack of the season, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in the Chargers’ 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. Henley said he was just floating with football the only consistent part of his life right now. His older brother was killed Friday night in Los Angeles. Henley traveled with the Chargers to Tennessee and started.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) slides into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Justin Herbert shakes off a pick-6 as the Chargers beat skidding Titans 27-20

November 2, 2025

Justin Herbert threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score and the Los Angeles Chargers beat the woeful Tennessee Titans 27-20 Sunday for their third win in four games. Herbert came in leading the NFL with 2,140 yards passing. He shook off an early pick-6 and losing both his tackles to injuries before halftime. Left tackle Joe Alt was carted off in the second after reinjuring his right ankle. Odafe Oweh had two of Los Angeles’ four sacks. The Titans had six sacks, a pick-6 and a punt return for a touchdown. They lost their fourth straight.

New England Patriots linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (44) recovers a fumble by Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Patriots rout the Titans 31-13 in coach Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee

October 19, 2025

Drake Maye threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns and the New England Patriots beat the Tennessee Titans 31-13 Sunday in coach Mike Vrabel’s first game against the franchise that fired him in January 2024. The Patriots won their fourth straight to keep them atop the AFC East and spoil Mike McCoy’s debut as Tennessee’s interim head coach. Linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson had two of the Patriots’ five sacks and returned a fumble 4 yards for a touchdown. Harold Landry III had the final sack against the team that released him in March. Marcus Jones had an interception in the final minutes.

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan reacts on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Titans fire coach Brian Callahan after 4-19 record and 1-5 start to second season

October 13, 2025

The Tennessee Titans have fired coach Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start to his second season. The Titans’ president of football operations said in a statement that team officials had extended conversations with controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk and general manager Mike Borgonzi. Chad Brinker says they told Callahan at a meeting Monday morning that Tennessee was making a change. Callahan is 4-19 overall. This was his first head coaching job. Callahan handed over play-calling duties after an 0-3 start that didn’t help. The Titans host former coach Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) celebrates with guard Blake Hance (73) after a touchdown by running back Julius Chestnut (36) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Cam Ward’s first NFL touchdown will have to wait as Titans beat Vikings 23-13 to wrap preseason

August 22, 2025

Cam Ward’s first NFL touchdown will have to wait for the regular season. The No. 1 overall pick helped the Tennessee Titans wrap up the preseason with a 23-13 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night. Ward finished his preseason with 145 yards passing, playing into the second quarter of all three games. Against the Vikings, he led a drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run by Julius Chestnut. Minnesota’s rookie quarterback Max Brosmer showed promise, finishing with 161 yards and a touchdown. Titans kicker Joey Slye made a 63-yard field goal.

FILE - Tennessee Titans cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) looks on before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed back and targeting Titans’ season opener at Denver

August 20, 2025

Tennessee cornerback L’Jarius Sneed says the plan is for him to be ready for the Titans’ season opener Sept. 7 at Denver and he’s very confident that will happen. Sneed passed his physical and was removed from the physically unable to perform list in time for practice Wednesday. The two-time Super Bowl champion was part of the Titans’ big offseason spending spree in March 2024. Sneed played five games before a quadriceps injury put him on injured reserve. Sneed said during an offseason camp that he was as healthy as he’s been. He started training camp on the PUP list with team officials saying Sneed had a knee cleaned up in May.

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons takes a drink of water after practice at the team's NFL football training camp Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Titans’ Simmons says his shove of Ward was simply flared tempers and blown out of proportion

August 19, 2025

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons defended shoving the Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward at the end of practice Monday. He said Tuesday that outsiders blew up a simple case of tempers flaring at a hot training camp practice. The No. 1 overall draft pick wearing a red jersey was celebrating a touchdown pass when he put a hand on Simmons. The lineman reacted by shoving Ward. Simmons was escorted off the practice field and didn’t talk to reporters until the end of Tuesday’s practice. Simmons said defenders can’t touch a quarterback.

FILE - Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks to throw a pass during practice at the team's NFL football training camp Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty are among the NFL rookies to watch this season

August 6, 2025

Impressive and fantastic are a couple of the words used to describe Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward as the No. 1-overall pick in April’s NFL draft takes over as the starter for a franchise that won just three games last season. Ward isn’t the only rookie being watched closely to see how his first NFL season turns out. There’s also two-way threat Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, Abdul Carter and, of course, Shedeur Sanders.

FILE - Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) lines up on the sideline before facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, in an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, file)

Titans QB Will Levis will have season-ending shoulder surgery

July 21, 2025

Tennessee quarterback Will Levis will have season-ending shoulder surgery, keeping him from competing for playing time in his third season with the Titans. The Titans announced Monday that Levis made his decision after consulting with doctors and his representatives. The Titans report Tuesday for training camp. The Titans said in a statement they support Levis’ decision to focus on his long-term health. Tennessee opens the preseason until Aug. 9 at Tampa Bay with the regular-season opener Sept. 7 at Denver. The Titans used the No. 1 overall pick on quarterback Cam Ward in April after going 3-14 with Levis struggling as a starter.

TERESA M. WALKER Pro Football Writer.