After successfully landing Carthon last time, the Titans will need to carefully consider their next hire. Here are three strong candidates to succeed him:
Key Contenders to Succeed Ran Carthon as Reported by Insider
On Tuesday, the Tennessee Titans made a major change by parting ways with general manager Ran Carthon. In his stead, team owner Amy Adams Strunk appointed Chad Brinker, the team’s president of football operations, to take charge of all football-related decisions. Brinker, who was initially hired by Carthon as assistant GM before being promoted, will now oversee football operations and lead the search for Carthon’s successor.
The new GM, however, will enter a unique situation. Adams Strunk has already confirmed that head coach Brian Callahan will remain, limiting the GM’s ability to make independent decisions about the coaching staff. Despite these constraints, the GM position with the Titans remains highly sought after, as there are only 32 such roles in the NFL. Additionally, the Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which significantly boosts the appeal of the position. With just one other GM vacancy in the league—the New York Jets, whose organizational struggles are widely known—the Titans’ opening may be considered the more desirable of the two.
Jon-Eric Sullivan, VP of Player Personnel, Green Bay Packers
Jon-Eric Sullivan, the vice president of player personnel for the Green Bay Packers, stands out as a natural candidate. Brinker, now overseeing the hiring process, previously worked alongside Sullivan for 13 years in Green Bay, which could give Sullivan an edge due to their strong working relationship. Sullivan has accumulated extensive experience in various roles with the Packers, including co-director of player personnel and director of college scouting. His potential hire could offer much-needed stability and chemistry to the Titans’ front office.
Ian Cunningham, Assistant GM, Chicago Bears
Ian Cunningham, the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears, was previously interviewed by the Titans during their search that led to Carthon’s hiring. Cunningham has long been regarded as a rising star and a strong contender for GM positions. While the Bears had a disappointing 2024 season, Cunningham and GM Ryan Poles have kept their jobs, indicating a long-term vision for the team. Cunningham may be drawn to the Titans, especially with the No. 1 overall pick and the chance to escape Chicago’s unstable environment.
Mike Borgonzi, Assistant GM, Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Borgonzi, the assistant GM for the Kansas City Chiefs, presents a high-profile and ambitious option. Borgonzi has been instrumental in helping the Chiefs build their dynasty alongside head coach Andy Reid, GM Brett Veach, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Though Borgonzi has turned down outside opportunities to stay in Kansas City, the Titans could try to entice him with the chance to oversee a rebuild centered around the No. 1 overall draft pick. However, it remains uncertain whether Borgonzi would leave a championship-caliber team for Tennessee, especially with Brinker holding the final authority.
The Titans’ decision on their next GM will play a pivotal role in shaping their front office and the course of their rebuild following a disappointing 2024 season.
