NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Are the Titans better off with or without Chad Brinker?
I don't know that anyone on the outside Titans' headquarters can say for sure. His biggest power was taken away in January of 2025, with the GM he hired a year earlier, Mike Borgonzi, taking over final say on personnel matters and being given the power to hire the next coach. Those are the two most important responsibilities on the football side.
But we were told time and time again about all that Borgonzi would not be charged with, thanks to the presence of Brinker, the president of football operations. Brinker would continue to oversee all the non-personnel stuff, be it analytics, salary cao, research and development, facilities, etc.
If they are as devoted to that structure as they claimed, a replacement will be in order. Could it be Bryce Wasserman, chief of staff in football operations, and Amy Adams Strunk's son-in-law?
The Titans’ announcement includes Brinker saying he feels pulled back toward personnel evaluation. To get back on a GM track, he’ll need to re-engage in scouting. He had a strong title with the Titans, insulated from decision-making fallout in certain situations. It raises the question of whether ownership or management nudged him toward rediscovering that interest in player assessment.
Even if it's a good move for the franchise, it continues an odd cycle.
Ran Carthon hired Brinker, who overtook him in the power structure and then saw Carthon fired. Brinker hired Borgonzi, who surpassed him in power and now watches Brinker leave.
It's a hopscotch that makes the franchise appear wobbly. It also gives us cause to doubt the Titans are spelling things out honestly when it comes to office politics with their highest-ranking people and a 7:24 p.m. Tuesday evening press release.
We should keep an eye on Reggie McKenzie, one of the top three people in personnel whose title is vice president/football advisor. He's most closely tied to Brinker, so it will be interesting to see if he's become a Titans guy valued by Borgonzi or if he might move on as well.
Statements:
CHAD BRINKER
“It has been an honor to serve as President of Football Operations of the Tennessee Titans. Over the years, I’ve understood and embraced my role as the leader of the football strategy, but as I’ve spent less time in personnel, I have a renewed conviction that it is time to return to what I love and move towards my next chapter. I’m grateful for Amy’s understanding in my decision and for allowing me to pursue other opportunities.
"I’m proud of the work we’ve done over the past three years - under challenging circumstances - to begin the process of getting the Titans football organization back on track, not the least of which was last year’s general manager search. I believe the Titans have exceptional people and long-term stability at the general manager position and throughout the scouting department. While there is work to be done, I believe we’ve laid the foundation to restore the Titans to its rightful place as a sustainable, winning program.
"My family and I will always be grateful for Amy’s belief and trust in me, and for our time in Tennessee.”
AMY ADAMS STRUNK
"When we first met Chad, it was clear he was an exceptional talent with deep knowledge of the game and the ability to connect big-picture strategy to execution. While it is difficult to lose him, I understand his decision and will do whatever I can to support him. I wish he, Rachelle, and their family the absolute best as they prepare for what's next and thank them for their dedication and loyalty to the Tennessee Titans."
