NASHVILLE, Tenn. – When the Titans trim their list of 18 candidates and move forward to a second round of interviews next week, they expect to talk to three or four finalists.
It will be five tops.
Those conversations with coaches employed by NFL teams can start Monday, though any still in the playoffs cannot meet in person.
Among the Titans' possibilities in that category are 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
The Titans can’t talk to any of them in person until their team loses or until the bye week between the championship game and the Super Bowl.
Conversations so far have been led by Mike Borgonzi with Chad Brinker, Dave Ziegler, Reggie McKenzie and Dave Saganey.
Borgonzi, Brinker and Amy Adams Strunk were ready to go to Owings Mills, Md. to meet with John Harbaugh on Thursday, but he reached an agreement with the Giants.
Their willingness to make the trip meant they were willing to pay him $18-20 million annually, a good sign about their commitment to doing what is necessary to get the best guy, though they came in second on that one.
They will complete their first round with a Thursday in-person interview with Brian Daboll, a Saturday in-person visit with Mike McCarthy and a Sunday face-to-face visit with Jonathan Gannon. This will also have a Zoom session on Sunday evening with Saleh.
Kliff Kingsbury and Chris Shula remain unscheduled.
A reminder of the full list is here.
