Why Tennessee Titans’ front office has studied 3 recent NFL turnarounds for inspiration

The Tennessee Titans, following a challenging 3-14 season in 2024, have embarked on a comprehensive organizational overhaul. Under the leadership of new General Manager Mike Borgonzi, the team is drawing inspiration from recent NFL turnarounds to inform their rebuilding strategy. This approach emphasizes a draft-centric philosophy, strategic free agency acquisitions, and the cultivation of a unified organizational culture.

Embracing a Draft-Centric Philosophy

One of the pivotal shifts in the Titans’ strategy is the emphasis on building through the NFL Draft. Borgonzi articulated this vision, stating, “My vision as a team-builder is to draft and develop. We want to build a foundation of home-grown talent and reward those players that meet our standards.”

This philosophy aligns with successful models employed by teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, where Borgonzi previously contributed to constructing a championship-caliber roster.

The Titans hold the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a valuable asset that offers multiple strategic avenues. Borgonzi has expressed openness to trading the top pick, provided it yields substantial draft capital to address various roster needs. However, he also emphasized the importance of securing “generational talent,” indicating a willingness to utilize the pick if such a player is available.

This balanced approach reflects lessons learned from teams that have successfully leveraged high draft positions to expedite their rebuilds.

Strategic Free Agency and Experienced Leadership

Complementing their draft-focused strategy, the Titans aim to be judicious in free agency, targeting players who align with the team’s culture and long-term objectives. This approach contrasts with the previous regime’s aggressive spending, which yielded underwhelming results. Borgonzi and President of Football Operations Chad Brinker have underscored the importance of being selective in free agency to avoid past pitfalls.

To bolster the front office, the Titans have recruited seasoned executives like Dave Ziegler and Reggie McKenzie, both former general managers. Borgonzi highlighted the value of their experience, stating, “They’ve both been in the chair before, just a ton of respect for them… It’s a great sounding board for me.”

This infusion of experience is expected to enhance decision-making processes and contribute to a more resilient organizational structure.

Cultivating a Unified Organizational Culture

A cohesive and disciplined culture is fundamental to the Titans’ envisioned turnaround. Borgonzi advocates for an “us” culture, where unity supersedes individual agendas, and all facets of the organization are aligned toward common goals. He elaborated, “We will put the team above individual agendas and make the best decisions for the Titans.”

This cultural shift mirrors successful transformations seen in other franchises that have prioritized organizational unity.

Learning from Recent NFL Turnarounds

The Titans’ strategy draws parallels to recent successful rebuilds in the NFL:

• Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs’ transformation into a perennial contender was anchored by astute drafting and strategic personnel decisions. Borgonzi’s tenure with the Chiefs exposed him to this successful model, which he now seeks to replicate in Tennessee.

• San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers’ resurgence was facilitated by a strong draft strategy and the development of home-grown talent, leading to a Super Bowl appearance. The Titans’ emphasis on drafting and developing talent reflects a similar approach.

• Buffalo Bills: The Bills’ methodical rebuild through the draft and calculated free agency moves culminated in sustained success. The Titans’ current strategy mirrors this blueprint, focusing on long-term competitiveness.

The Tennessee Titans are undertaking a strategic overhaul inspired by successful NFL franchises. By emphasizing a draft-centric approach, prudent free agency decisions, and fostering a unified culture, the Titans aim to navigate their rebuilding phase effectively and reestablish themselves as a formidable presence in the league.