Borgonzi, who broke into coaching with the Cowboys in 2011, has since run the Colts’ linebackers (2018–2021) and the Bears’ linebackers (2022–2024 before returning to Dallas for 2025). He emerged from a field of eight candidates to land the Tennessee job.
The move completes Robert Saleh’s Tennessee staff for 2026, a group that features 14 new hires and eight holdovers from Brian Callahan’s tenure. The staff is led by Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator and Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator.
In addition to Borgonzi, Saleh added his cousin Ahmed Saleh as a defensive quality control coach, a hire Kuharsky noted. Ahmed had been coaching linebackers and special teams at Wayne State, adding another layer to the HR-style optics around the staffing.
Mike Borgonzi’s own path to Tennessee’s front office includes a long stint in the Chiefs’ front office before being named the Titans’ general manager last January, and he stepped aside from the hiring process as Dave earned the role.
Titans fans will assess the impact of this staffing overhaul alongside a 2025 campaign that finished 3–14, with 28.1 points allowed per game and four straight losing seasons. With Dave Borgonzi coaching the linebackers and Bradley scheming the defense, the staff’s results will hinge on the roster moves Tennessee makes this offseason and how quickly Cam Ward develops behind center.
