Robert Saleh begins new tenure with the Titans after lessons in New York

Robert Saleh was introduced as the Tennessee Titans' sixth head coach after previously leading the New York Jets and spending time with the 49ers; he says his experience in New York reshaped how he will coach and he plans to call defensive plays for the Titans.

Robert Saleh was introduced as the Tennessee Titans' sixth head coach in Nashville. He reflected on being fired by the New York Jets in October 2024, time spent consulting with the Green Bay Packers and returning to the San Francisco 49ers. Saleh said those experiences led him to reexamine how he coaches and how he handles outside criticism. He told reporters he researched the Titans, their front office and ownership before taking the job. Key details: - Saleh was fired by the New York Jets on Oct. 8, 2024, after a 2-3 start to that season. - He spent time consulting with Packers coach Matt LaFleur and then rejoined the 49ers, helping their defense as they finished 12-5 and reached the playoffs. - Saleh said the New York tenure taught him to focus on work inside the building and to separate from outside noise. - He plans to call defensive plays for the Titans rather than delegating play-calling as he did in New York. - Saleh researched owner Amy Adams Strunk, the front office and the roster and said he felt comfortable joining the organization. - The Titans are scheduled to host the Jets in Nashville in 2026. Summary: Saleh frames his hiring in Tennessee as a chance to apply lessons learned during a difficult run in New York and during subsequent stops in Green Bay and San Francisco. He emphasized a renewed approach to sideline engagement and plans to call the defense himself. The immediate focus is building inside the Titans organization and preparing for the season, with a meeting against the Jets on the schedule in 2026.