NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Aaron Whitecotton, who interviewed with Robert Saleh for the Titans’ defensive coordinator job, got out of his contract with the Cowboys and will join the Titans as defensive line coach, working with Jeffery Simmons.
With Saleh as the defensive play-caller, the coordinator job has not yet been filled,
The Titans are considering Al Harris, Dino Vasso and Mike Rutenberg. There may still be an additional name or names.
Harris is the Packers defensive backs coach and had spoken to the Packers about replacing Jeff Hafley before Green Bay hired Jonathan Gannon. Harris also fielded interest from the Commanders.
Vasso coaches defensive backs in Houston and reportedly carries endorsements of Jim Schwartz, currently a contender for the Browns job, and Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
Harris and Vasso fulfill the Titans' obligation to meet with two minority candidate for the Rooney Rule.
Rutenberg served as Saleh's linebackers coach with the Jets was was defensive run-game coordinator in Atlanta in 2025.
Whitecotton coached the defensive line of the Cowboys in 2025, where the linebackers coach was Dave Borgonzi, brother of Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi.
Whitecotton interviewed for DC with Dallas, but that job went to Christian Parker.
Whitecotton and Saleh worked together in Jacksonville and San Francisco and Saleh's hired him to 
his staff with the Jets as defensive line coach.
He is the second position coach on defense for Saleh, who retained another coach who was on his Jets staff: Tony Oden. Oden remains as Tennessee’s cornerback coach.
On offense, Saleh retained tight end coach Luke Stocker and running back coach Randy Jordan.
Saleh is still sorting through offensive coordinator options as well. Brian Daboll is regarded as the favorite per Dianna Russini. Kliff Kingsbury and Adam Stenavich were in line for Monday interviews, as was Thad Lewis.
Lewis will fulfill the Titans Rooney Rule obligations for offensive coordinator interviews. Another unknown minority candidate has already interviewed.