The Titans concluded their brief but well-thought-out GM search by hiring a top AFC executive from one of the league’s superpowers. Tennessee’s search for Ran Carthon’s successor led to the intersection of top-tier BBQ and football. News of the hire broke on Friday afternoon from various sources, including NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The #Titans are hiring Mike Borgonzi as their general manager, per sources. pic.twitter.com/84GF4gA6Qw
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 17, 2025
Tennessee Titans Hire Executive Away From AFC Powerhouse
The Titans canvassed primetime candidates after relieving Borgonzi’s predecessor 12 days ago. Candidates included Borgonzi, Thomas Dimitroff, Ian Cunningham (Bears), Reggie McKenzie (Dolphins), and Ed Dodds (Colts). Tennessee’s list of finalists was a charcuterie board of impressive credentials.
#Titans list of GM candidates that made it to the 2nd round:
Bills Dir. Player Personnel Terrance Gray
Bears Asst GM Ian Cunningham
Buccaneers Asst GM John Skytek
Chiefs Asst GM Mike Borgonzi
Colts Asst GM Ed Dodds
Packers VP of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 13, 2025
Borgonzi completed his in-person interview on Wednesday afternoon, mere days after making the final cut. The franchise’s interview process was very succinct and fast-evolving. Over a week, they interviewed virtually and conducted in-person interviews. Tennessee’s President of Football Operations, Chad Brinker, knew what he wanted and took it by the reins.
Who is Mike Borgonzi?
The Titans’ newest general manager played running back for Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League school. He started his college coaching/administrative career at Amherst, where he was a tight ends coach. Before joining the Chiefs franchise, he was Boston College’s Assistant Recruiting Coordinator.
In 2009, he began his ascent into the top job in Tennessee as a College Scouting Administrator. In 2011, he earned his first real FO role as the team’s Pro Personnel Scout. After five seasons in the pro scouting department, he assumed the office of Director of Football Operations in 2017. Borgonzi served on Chiefs GM Brett Veach’s staff for seven seasons in various roles, including three seasons as assistant general manager.
What did he do in Kansas City?
The scope of his duties in Kansas City’s front office was significant. He has experience working in the pro personnel and college scout departments. Borgonzi was a versatile chess piece for the back-to-back champions, boasting scouting acumen, overseeing daily operations, and evaluating free agents.
While Veach had the final say over draft matters, Borgonzi contributed heavily to the current Chiefs dynasty with talents like Trey Smith, Isiah Pacheco, Nick Bolton, and Creed Humphrey. He also used his background as a pro scout in signing marquee free agents, trades, and other roster machinations. Borgonzi was reportedly the point man for the Titans’ ill-fated L’Jarius Sneed trade for the Chiefs.
What will he bring to Tennessee?
Borgonzi doesn’t have a direct connection to his new boss, Brinker, but they have similar backgrounds. Before being elevated to his role during the 2024 offseason, Mr. Brinker served as assistant GM to Carthon. Like Borgonzi, he comes from a scouting background, ran daily operations, and played running back in college. Both executives have roots in private industry, further illustrating their similar backgrounds. Borgonzi is an offshoot of the Ron Wolf executive tree by way of Brett Veach/Andy Reid. Interestingly, Veach also played running back in college.
Who said that?
Owner Amy Adams Strunk:
Amy Adams Strunk and Chad Brinker on new #Titans GM Mike Borgonzi: pic.twitter.com/VLpF6DWHPQ
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) January 18, 2025
Team President of Football Operations Chad Brinker:
Statement from Titans president of football ops Chad Brinker on Mike Borgonzi as GM
“During Mike’s 16 years in the league, he has been a key part of transforming the Chiefs from a two-win team to a three-time Super Bowl champion. During our meetings, he articulated a clear plan…
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) January 17, 2025
Kansas City General Manager Brett Veach:
Chiefs GM Brett Veach on his right-hand man Mike Borgonzi landing the Titans GM job, via text: “Long-time coming—one of the hardest-working guys in the business. Tennessee made the right choice.”
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 17, 2025
What’s next for Borgonzi and the Titans?
The organization and new GM must hit the ground running when he arrives in Nashville. The Senior Bowl and Shrine Game are scheduled for concurrently during the last week of January. After that, the Combine, Pro Days, and Free Agency come together in a whirlwind of activity. Tennessee holds the first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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