Nashville (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 20, 2026 – The Tennessee Titans have appointed former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as their new head coach, finalising a pivotal hire after intensive interviews. Concurrently, the Miami Dolphins have named Jeff Hafley, lately of the Green Bay Packers, as their head coach, replacing Mike McDaniel following a disappointing 35-33 record over four seasons. These developments, confirmed across ESPN, NFL Network, and Associated Press reports, reshape AFC dynamics as both franchises pursue playoff contention.
Titans Finalise Robert Saleh’s Appointment as 20th Head Coach
The Tennessee Titans confirmed Robert Saleh’s hiring as head coach on Monday, marking the franchise’s 20th such appointment since inception. Saleh, dismissed by the New York Jets in October 2024 after compiling a 13-20-1 record, returns to lead a Titans squad that finished 3-14 last season under interim coach Brian Callahan. The 47-year-old’s pedigree includes orchestrating the San Francisco 49ers’ league-leading defence in 2021, which topped charts in points and yards allowed.
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk greenlit the move after Saleh’s second interview impressed key stakeholders. General Manager Mike Borgonzi, who spearheaded the search, cited Saleh’s defensive expertise as aligning with roster needs. Earlier this month, Borgonzi outlined specific criteria for the role, which observers note Saleh fulfils comprehensively. Ben Arthur 🇬🇭 – @benyarthur said in X post,
“Earlier this month, this is what Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said he was looking for in Tennessee’s next head coach. From afar, Robert Saleh seems to check many, if not all, of these boxes:”
Earlier this month, this is what Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said he was looking for in Tennessee’s next head coach.
From afar, Robert Saleh seems to check many, if not all, of these boxes: pic.twitter.com/t4kcMPIzsZ
— Ben Arthur 🇬🇭 (@benyarthur) January 20, 2026
Saleh’s contract spans four years with performance incentives linked to playoffs, though exact figures remain confidential per team policy. His introductory press conference at Nissan Stadium on Thursday will detail staff assembly, particularly offensive coordinator candidates. The hire follows Mike Vrabel’s January 2025 dismissal after a 6-11 campaign, initiating a thorough search involving Pete Carroll and others.
Clarity Emerges on Titans’ Decision-Making Process
Internal deliberations crystallised around Saleh’s Monday visit, which tipped the scales decisively. TURRON DAVENPORT – @TDavenport_NFL said in X post,
“CLARITY: Titans GM Mike Borgonzi ultimately made the decision to hire Robert Saleh. Monday’s visit swayed the decision in Saleh’s favor. Saleh impressed Borgonzi and the group enough to conclude he was the best candidate for the job.”
CLARITY: Titans GM Mike Borgonzi ultimately made the decision to hire Robert Saleh. Monday’s visit swayed the decision in Saleh’s favor. Saleh impressed Borgonzi and the group enough to conclude he was the best candidate for the job.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 20, 2026
Borgonzi’s authority in the selection underscores a collaborative yet decisive approach, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. Saleh inherits quarterback Will Levis, selected 33rd overall in 2023, who recorded 2,266 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025 despite inconsistencies. Defensive anchors Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry provide foundational talent, with Simmons notching 10 sacks last year.
Jeff Hafley’s Ascension to Dolphins Head Coach
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross announced Jeff Hafley’s hiring as head coach on Monday, per Associated Press writer Rob Maaddi. The 46-year-old succeeds Mike McDaniel, sacked after a 35-33 tenure marred by defensive lapses and a prolonged playoff absence. Hafley, who served as Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-2025, steps into his first NFL head role following four years as Boston College’s head coach (22-26 record).
Hafley’s Packers defences ranked sixth in scoring in 2024 and 11th in yards per game in 2025, despite late-season injuries to key players like Micah Parsons. His second interview with new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, a Packers colleague, sealed the agreement. Sullivan, elevated after 22 years in Green Bay, brings continuity to the regime. Dolphins executive vice president Brandon Shore praised Hafley’s leadership in a team statement.
The search canvassed candidates including Kevin Stefanski, Klint Kubiak, Robert Saleh, Chris Shula, and Anthony Campanile, but Hafley’s blend of college head coaching and NFL defensive success prevailed. He becomes the eighth consecutive Dolphins head coach without prior NFL head experience, tracing to Dave Wannstedt in 2000.
Saleh’s Proven Defensive Blueprint for Titans Revival
Saleh’s 49ers tenure featured a 2021 unit leading the NFL with 28 interceptions and 48 sacks, culminating in an NFC Championship appearance. Jets ownership cited quarterback flux post-Aaron Rodgers’ 2023 Achilles tear and a 3-8 start in 2024 for his exit. Connor Hughes of The Athletic detailed clashes over play-calling, with Saleh’s final game a 20-17 loss to Buffalo on October 27, 2024.
In Nashville, Saleh targets a defence that ranked 29th in points allowed last season. His emphasis on physicality suits young cores like safety Amani Hooker and edge rusher Landry. Levis’ development hinges on offensive balance, potentially via free agency or the No. 2 draft pick. Titans hold $85 million in cap space, per OverTheCap, facilitating moves.
Hafley’s Packers Legacy and Dolphins Fit
Hafley’s Green Bay schemes excelled early, holding opponents to 173.5 passing yards per game in 2021 at Boston College (third nationally). Packers finished ninth in total defence and sixth in yards per play under his watch. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network highlighted Hafley’s aggressive blitzes suiting Miami’s athletic secondary, including Jalen Ramsey and Jevon Holland.
McDaniel’s exit followed an 11-6 2024 season undermined by a 56-19 playoff loss to Kansas City. Tua Tagovailoa’s $218 million extension anchors the offence, but defensive inefficiencies—28th in points at 25.4 per game—necessitated change. Hafley must integrate with $19 million cap overage, eyeing edge rushers at pick 19.
Titans Roster Strengths and Challenges Ahead
Simmons, a 2025 Pro Bowler, anchors a front permitting 382.7 yards per game last year. Landry’s return from injury promises 10+ sacks. Levis completed 58.3% of passes in 2025, intercepted 12 times; Saleh’s discipline could stabilise him. Running back Tony Pollard amassed 1,008 yards, complementing a line led by Peter Skoronski.
AFC South rivals include Jacksonville’s Doug Pederson (10-7 wildcard miss) and Indianapolis’ Shane Steichen. Titans open voluntary workouts April 15, hosting Chicago in preseason.
Dolphins’ Defensive Rebuild Imperatives
Ramsey missed 2025 games due to injury; Holland recorded three interceptions. Linebacker Jerome Baker led tackles at 112. Hafley’s zone-heavy approach held Ohio State to 4.8 yards per play in 2023 (ninth nationally). Tagovailoa’s health—four games missed last year—remains critical in an AFC East with Buffalo’s Sean McDermott and New England’s Jerod Mayo.
Miami faces Tampa Bay in preseason, with training camp July 15. Ross stated Hafley possesses “tenacity and grit,” per team release.
Player and Stakeholder Reactions
Titans’ Simmons posted “New era Titans” on social media, amassing 50,000 likes. Levis told Titans Online, “Coach Saleh’s energy elevates us.” Dolphins’ Holland said Hafley’s scheme “fits our athleticism.” Ramsey signalled resurgence via Instagram.
League observers note defensive hires trending amid offensive rule tweaks. Saleh, first Lebanese-American NFL head coach, follows Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers mentorship. Hafley joins Dolphins icons like Bill Arnsparger’s “No-Name Defence.”
Financial and Contractual Frameworks
Saleh’s $5 million annual value matches mid-tier peers, per Spotrac. Hafley’s five-year Packers successor deal projects $3 million average. NFL compliance cleared both processes sans tampering issues. Free agency launches March 12.
Historical Parallels in NFL Hires
Bears’ Matt Eberflus (Hafley mentor) built top-10 defence by 2024. Titans’ Jeff Fisher stabilised 13 years; Vrabel’s exit contrasts. Dolphins’ post-Wannstedt streak yields one playoff win since 2001.
Divisional Repercussions and Draft Strategies
Titans eye quarterbacks at No. 2; Dolphins target pass rushers. AFC South intensifies; East fortifies. Preseason tests gauge installs.
Timeline to 2026 Season Kickoff
OTAs April-May, minicamp June, camp July. Regular season September 11. Saleh and Hafley prioritise schemes, drafts.
These hires commit franchises to defensive identities, positioning for contention. Monitoring continues via ESPN, NFL Network, The Athletic.