Tennessee Titans Shake Up Leadership: Chad Brinker Takes Full Control of Football Operations
The Tennessee Titans made another significant leadership change for the third consecutive season, firing General Manager Ran Carthon on Tuesday and promoting Chad Brinker to oversee all football operations. Brinker, who now has final authority over the roster, will also lead the search for a new GM who will report directly to him.
Carthon was let go after two seasons, during which the Titans posted a 9-25 record, including a dismal 3-14 showing in 2024. Brinker, who joined the organization as assistant GM in 2023, was quickly elevated to the newly created position of president of football operations. This change places him at the helm of roster management and decision-making.
Here’s what you need to know about the Titans' new lead executive:
Chad Brinker’s Background
Brinker hails from Martins Ferry, Ohio, where he was a standout running back at Martins Ferry High School. He went on to play at Ohio University, earning a significant role in the team over four seasons. During his junior year, Brinker underwent surgery to remove an arachnoid cyst from his brain, but he bounced back to rush for over 1,000 yards in his senior season. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2003 but did not make the roster. After a brief stint in NFL Europe, Brinker transitioned to a career in football operations.
A Career in Football Scouting
Brinker started his post-playing career in medical sales and coaching high school football in Ohio, but his passion for football led him to a role with the Green Bay Packers. He began as an intern in 2009, later advancing through the ranks to a lead scout, assistant director of pro scouting, and ultimately a personnel and football administration executive. Throughout his tenure in Green Bay, Brinker contributed to areas such as player contract negotiations, salary cap management, scouting, and opponent analysis. He completed an Executive MBA from Northwestern University in 2021, further enhancing his leadership and analytical skills.
Collaboration with Ran Carthon
Brinker was brought to Nashville in 2023 by then-GM Ran Carthon, who valued his unique skill set. Following Carthon’s dismissal, Brinker was promoted to president of football operations in an organizational shakeup. Now, as the lead figure in football operations, Brinker will have final say on roster decisions and will spearhead the search for the next GM.
A New Era for the Titans
With this change in leadership, Titans CEO Burke Nihill confirmed that Brinker would oversee all football matters moving forward. Nihill emphasized that while the GM will still hold primary responsibility for roster management, Brinker is the clear leader of the football program.
Brian Callahan’s Perspective
Head coach Brian Callahan, who will return for the 2025 season, spoke positively about the collaborative nature of the front office under Brinker. Callahan highlighted Brinker’s extensive experience in scouting and personnel, along with his business acumen from his time in Green Bay, noting that the three key decision-makers—Brinker, Carthon, and Callahan—had worked closely together throughout the season.
With Brinker now firmly in charge, the Titans look to chart a new course in their football operations, with a focus on long-term success.