On Tuesday afternoon, the Titans moved to dismiss Ran Carthon from his general manager duties. Tennessee is a franchise in turmoil after moving on from Carthon after two seasons. The franchise named President of Football Operations Chad Brinker de facto general manager. Brinker’s elevated role will undoubtedly turn some candidates off, as most will want to run their department. Who are some candidates to keep an eye on as the Tennessee Titans launch their GM search?
Tennessee Titans GM Search: Candidates to Keep an Eye On
Ray Agnew (Detroit Lions Assistant GM)
Agnew is an experienced front-office executive who, as a personnel man, helped build two Super Bowl contenders. He is also a former player and has ties to the franchise. His son, Keenan, is a scouting assistant for Tennessee, and the elder Agnew played the Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. The Lions’ number two personnel man has a unique background as he served as the Rams team chaplain/Director of player development before moving to the front office. While he does have college scouting experience, his bread and butter is centered on the pro personnel side. He would be an interesting hire with a proven track record of rebuilding downtrodden programs.
Mike Borgonzi (Kansas City Chiefs Assistant GM)
The longtime Chiefs executive has been with the franchise since the 2009 season and has been getting calls around the league for several GM openings. He’s a scout’s scout who worked his way up to his current posting. Borgonzi is hugely responsible for the dynastic run over the past several seasons. His crown jewels are the draft classes that have supplied KC with ready-made rookies like Rashee Rice, Isiah Pacheco, Trent McDuffie, Nick Bolton, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith. As a result, he is GM Brett Veach’s most trusted top lieutenant. Borgonzi has served in both professional and collegiate personnel areas. He is more than ready for the captain’s chair at another franchise. Tennessee has requested an interview with Borgonzi per The Athletic’s Diana Russini. He also interviewed with the Jets.
Thomas Dimitroff (Former Atlanta Falcons GM)
Dimitroff is a Belichick acolyte who oversaw all football operations for the Falcons during his 13-season run in the land of Lemon Pepper wings. He served as a Patriots executive around the same time as former Titans GM Jon Robinson. Given his length of service in Atlanta, he had several gigantic hits on draft picks like Julio Jones, Grady Jarrett, Jake Matthews, Matt Ryan, Kaleb McGary, Chris Lindstrom, and AJ Terrell. Tennessee receiver Calvin Ridley was another draft pick during his tenure. He led the Falcons to their winningest period in franchise history, including one Super Bowl and multiple playoff appearances. The Tennessee Titans have added him to the list of interviews in their GM search. Dimitroff wouldn’t be a half-bad candidate if he’s willing to cede some control to Brinker.
Terrance Gray (Bills Director of Player Personnel)
Gray has been in the scouting department across three teams (Chiefs, Vikings, and Bills) since the 2006 season and has also worked for the league office. He interviewed with the Chargers for their GM role during the last offseason, so he’s a name in demand after the Bills’ continued run. Gray also previously turned down an interview request with the Patriots. According to Ian Rapaport, the Titans have confirmed that they have scheduled an interview with him. He joined the current Bills regime in 2017, earning a promotion to DPP after Joe Schoen left for the Giants.
Alonzo Highsmith (New England Patriots Personnel Executive)
Highsmith carries a combination of historical franchise ties and ties to Brinker when he crossed over with the former for five seasons. He played for the Oilers for two seasons after being the third overall selection in the 1987 NFL draft. Interestingly, the Miami Hurricanes legend served as the Canes’ GM of Football Operations for two seasons before his current job with the Patriots. Highsmith also has spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns. There is a further tie to the Titans franchise as his son, AJ, is the current Director of Scouting. It would be a welcome home for the former Oilers draft pick and an opportunity to scout alongside his son, much like Brian and Bill Callahan.
Reggie McKenzie (Miami Dolphins Senior Personnel Executive)
Of all the candidates, McKenzie has the most extensive ties to the state of Tennessee. He’s a native son of the Volunteer State and played his college ball at the University of Tennessee. While he doesn’t have a direct tie to Brinker, he got his executive start with the Packers. While with the Raiders for six seasons, his notable draft picks include Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, Khalil Mack, Gabe Jackson, Jihad Ward, Kolton Miller, and current Titans EDGE Arden Key. Since his departure and subsequent hiring by Miami, the Phins have had impressive drafts. Miami’s selections include Tua Tagovailoa, Christian Wilkins, Jaylen Waddle, Jevon Holland, and Andrew Van Ginkel, to name a few. He would be an impressive candidate with a solid resume and a knack for scouting. The Titans have requested an interview with McKenzie as of Wednesday afternoon.
Jon-Eric Sullivan (Green Bay Packers Vice President of Player Personnel)
JES is a lifelong Packer who crossed over with Brinker when the latter was with Green Bay for a decade. He’s the son of veteran position coach Jerry Sullivan, so the lineage and background to be successful exists. Sullivan brings an extensive scouting CV, working his way up the ranks to his current position. Before his promotion, he served as Director of College Scouting during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. As an area scout for the Central Plains, he could’ve been responsible for drafting Jordy Nelson and Bryan Bulaga. Sullivan also served as an area scout for the Southeast, possibly accountable for contributors like HaHa Clinton-Dix, Casey Hayward, and Eddie Lacy. Reports indicate that JES was a strong backer of Jordan Love’s selection. During his time as a VP, he could’ve been influential for a significant portion of the Packers’ current core while GM Brian Gutenkust calls the shots.
Andy Weidl (Pittsburgh Steelers Assistant GM)
Weidl is a Keystone State native and bleeds Yinzer as a son of Pittsburgh. He’s currently the Steelers’ assistant GM under Omar Khan. However, he has experience in two of the best front offices in the league, serving in various roles with the Eagles and Ravens. He also fits the desired attributes that Brinker seeks in a GM candidate. The Steelers’ number two man has a scouting background and has a ring with the Eagles. He served as East and West regional scout for Baltimore under executive icon and Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome.
His time with the Eagles was largely successful. During his last three drafts in Philadelphia, he oversaw the drafting of Jalen Hurts, Landon Dickerson, Cameron Juergens, DeVonta Smith, Nakobe Dean, and Jordan Davis, to name a few. He would be a perfect fit for the Titans, but it would be difficult to pry him loose from “home.”
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