Why the Titans’ Hiring of Robert Saleh is a Risky Move

The Tennessee Titans’ decision to hire Robert Saleh as their new head coach has generated considerable buzz, but a closer examination suggests this move carries significant risk. While Saleh brings a strong defensive pedigree, having been the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, past performance and current team circumstances make it unclear whether he can deliver meaningful success in Tennessee.

First, consider Saleh’s history as a head coach. During his tenure with the New York Jets, he posted a 20–36 record over three seasons. While some argue that the Jets were in a rebuild, it’s worth noting that three full seasons is a substantial period to show progress, and Saleh never elevated the team to playoff contention. His inability to develop Zach Wilson, a highly drafted quarterback, further underscores a major concern: Saleh has not demonstrated he can develop young offensive talent. That is a critical requirement for the Titans’ current situation, where their starting quarterback, Cam Ward, is a rookie who must make significant progress for the team to compete.

The Titans’ roster and front office history compound the risk. Tennessee has a well-documented pattern of mismanaging talent and failing to find the right pieces to maximize a coach’s impact. Mike Vrabel, the previous coach, compiled a 54–45 record in Tennessee, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and even contending for a Super Bowl. Yet the front office struggled to build around that success, and Vrabel ultimately left to New England, where he is now one win away from the Super Bowl. This stark contrast highlights how the Titans’ organization has historically undervalued or mishandled coaching talent, and it raises doubts about their ability to support Saleh effectively. Simply changing the head coach does not solve the deeper roster and management deficiencies.

Another major hurdle is the quarterback situation. Cam Ward started all 17 games in his rookie season, but his production was modest at best. He barely surpassed 3,000 passing yards, throwing only 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions. For a team that hopes to compete in a tough AFC, those numbers are far from sufficient. Success under Saleh will require Ward to make a noticeable leap in Year 2, both in terms of accuracy and decision-making. If Ward fails to progress, the offense will stagnate, limiting the team’s overall success and placing both the coach and quarterback on the hot seat.

Finally, while Saleh is widely respected for his defensive acumen and leadership, it’s important to remember that defense alone rarely wins championships in today’s NFL. Even if Saleh installs a top-tier defensive system, the offense must produce points consistently. Without complementary talent and a quarterback capable of executing the game plan, Tennessee could remain stuck in the league’s middle tier, regardless of coaching.

In conclusion, while Robert Saleh may bring energy and defensive expertise to Tennessee, the combination of a questionable offense, an unproven quarterback, and a front office with a history of poor roster decisions makes this hire highly risky. Unless the Titans acquire the right talent and Cam Ward develops rapidly, this coaching change is unlikely to translate into immediate success. Cautious optimism is understandable given Saleh’s reputation, but realistic expectations suggest that the team may continue to struggle in the near future.

Prediction: Saleh faces an uphill battle. Without a dramatic improvement from Ward and smarter roster management, success will be limited, and the Titans risk placing both the coach and quarterback on the hot seat early in his tenure. Fans hoping for instant results may be disappointed, and the team could enter another cycle of frustration, despite the excitement surrounding a new head coach.