Tennessee Titans rumors from Dianna Russini detail trade, head coach candidates

Tennessee Titans rumors from Dianna Russini detail trade, head coach candidates originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tennessee Titans will be in the market for a new head coach next offseason, but first things first, they have to navigate the rest of the 2025 campaign and the trade deadline.

The Titans desperately need to acquire more draft capital. Not only will that help the rebuild, but it will also make Tennessee a more attractive destination for head coach candidates.

Speaking of the trade deadline, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Titans are open to trading everyone except quarterback Cam Ward and defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.

"The Titans are open for business on every player but QB Cam Ward and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. They are looking to stockpile future picks," Russini said.

Simmons is by far the Titans' most valuable asset and he would net a huge return in a deadline deal. However, he's also the only elite player the Titans have and he's still young enough (28) to be included in the team's long-term plans.

When it comes to head coach candidates to replace the fired Brian Callahan, Russini provided an early list of names she expects to be considered.

That list includes Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

She also listed the following names as likely candidates for the next head-coach hiring cycle:

• Chargers DC Jesse Minter
• Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile
• Rams DC Chris Shula
• Vikings DC Brian Flores
• Broncos DC Vance Joseph
• Packers DC Jeff Hafley
• Bills OC Joe Brady
• 49ers DC Robert Saleh

Of course, the name that jumps out there the most is Smith, who was previously the offensive coordinator of the Titans from 2019 through 2020.

Titans fans have fond memories of Smith, who called the plays for one of the elite offenses in the NFL over his two seasons as the offensive coordinator while also reviving the career of Ryan Tannehill.

Smith has already tried his hand at a head-coaching gig with the Atlanta Falcons but failed, going 21-30 over three seasons. However, he also had a bad situation with guys like Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota playing quarterback.

Smith is now in his second season in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are having much more success than they did in 2024.

Surprise, surprise, the improved offensive showing came in tandem with Pittsburgh upgrading its quarterback situation by signing Aaron Rodgers during the offseason.

If there's one way to energize the fan base and win over their hearts and minds of the many Titans fans who have lost faith in owner Amy Adams Strunk and the franchise in general, hiring Smith would probably get it done.

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