Who are the Tennessee Titans’ 5 most intriguing GM candidates?
The Tennessee Titans have officially finalized their list of general manager candidates after firing Ran Carthon last week. Owner Amy Adams Strunk and president of football operations Chad Brinker, working together with a tight-knit circle, have identified 10 total candidates. The first round of interviews is scheduled to conclude with Green Bay Packers vice president of player personnel, Jon-Eric Sullivan.
The Titans are interviewing Packers VP of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan for their GM spot today, per source—the final of 10 virtual interviews they’ve done. After this one, the brass will huddle, pick finalists, and have them in for second interviews later this week.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 13, 2025
Brinker and his trusted confidants will now identify a handful of finalists and host them for in-person interviews. The list of 10 candidates possess diverse backgrounds. With all of the information now available, we’ve identified the five most impressive candidates.
Mike Borgonzi
Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi is an impressive candidate. The Titans want to be a draft-and-develop team and Borgonzi has learned from one of the best, Brett Veach. Even outside of hitting the lottery with Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have built an elite roster around talents they’ve drafted, including Trey Smith, Travis Kelce, Creed Humphrey, Chris Jones, and others.
Borgonzi and Brinker were in constant communication during the L’Jarius Sneed trade. After declining interviews in previous years, Borgonzi has shown a recent willingness to jump ship. The Titans should be interested.
Terrance Gray
Buffalo Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray is a good candidate. Gray possesses the background the Titans allegedly crave. He spent several seasons as Buffalo’s college director of scouting before receiving promotion to his current role.
The Bills have been annual Super Bowl contenders since placing Gray and GM Brandon Beane in decision-making roles. Of course, the drafting of Josh Allen was a home-run. Allen wasn’t a surefire prospect, and the Titans are in a similar position, with a need to hit on a quarterback.
Jon-Eric Sullivan
Only two candidates on the Titans’ 10-person list have crossed professional paths with Brinker in Green Bay. Those people are Packers VP Jon-Eric Sullivan, and former Las Vegas Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie. That makes them strong candidates.
Brinker spent 13 seasons alongside Sullivan in Titledown. Sullivan has worked in a variety of departments with the Packers, previously serving as co-director of player personnel and director of college scouting. Hiring Sullivan would ensure the Titans have continuity, trust, and chemistry in the front office.
Ian Cunningham
The Titans nearly hired Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham before appointing Carthon two offseasons ago. Cunningham has now received another shot to interview with the Titans. He obviously made a good impression the first time around.
Cunningham previously worked under Howie Roseman, Eric DeCosta, and Ozzie Newsome in previous stops. The league has long viewed him as an eventual GM. Perhaps Tennessee will offer him that opportunity.
John Spytek
Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek checks a lot of boxes. He’s a true evaluator through and through, working alongside Jason Licht. Spytek has been with the Buccaneers for nine total seasons, winning a Super Bowl with Tom Brady. It wouldn’t be shocking if he also garners interest from Brady for Vegas’ GM vacancy.
Spytek possesses a diverse background as a previous area scout, national scout, and director of college scouting. The Titans desperately need to draft, develop, and retain talent to successfully overturn the roster. Spytek could help the Titans achieve that.