Does Mike Borgonzi’s appointment as general manager benefit the Tennessee Titans?
The Tennessee Titans have been in a period of transition, seeking stability and a clear direction as they navigate the complexities of the NFL. Amidst roster adjustments, coaching changes, and the constantly shifting landscape of the league, the franchise made a significant move by appointing Mike Borgonzi as their new general manager. But does Borgonzi’s appointment truly benefit the Titans in the long run? To answer this question, we need to delve into Borgonzi’s background, his potential impact on the Titans’ operations, and how his leadership could affect the team’s ability to compete in the highly competitive AFC South and beyond.
Mike Borgonzi’s Background and Experience
Before discussing how Borgonzi could benefit the Titans, it’s important to understand his qualifications and what he brings to the table. Borgonzi, 42, is a highly regarded executive in the NFL front office. He spent a significant part of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, working his way up the ranks from a pro scout to the assistant director of player personnel, and eventually serving as the Chiefs’ director of player personnel. During his time with the Chiefs, Borgonzi worked under Brett Veach, the Chiefs’ current general manager, and played an instrumental role in helping build a roster that would go on to win the 2020 Super Bowl.
Borgonzi’s background as a scout and evaluator of talent has been one of his standout qualities. His deep knowledge of player evaluation, combined with a keen understanding of how to build a championship-caliber roster, makes him a valuable asset to any organization. Borgonzi is credited with identifying and bringing in key players who have contributed to the Chiefs’ sustained success over the last several years, including pivotal draft picks and free-agent acquisitions. He also has a reputation for having a sharp eye for spotting talent in both the draft and free-agent market, something that could prove invaluable for the Titans as they seek to build a roster capable of contending for a championship.
What Borgonzi Brings to the Titans
- Experience in Building a Championship-Caliber Team
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of Borgonzi’s appointment as general manager is his experience in helping to build a Super Bowl-winning roster with the Kansas City Chiefs. As part of the Chiefs’ front office, Borgonzi played a key role in constructing a team that won the AFC Championship and secured the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in 50 years. The Chiefs’ roster-building strategy, especially their emphasis on offensive playmakers and key defensive acquisitions, helped make them one of the most consistent and high-performing teams in the NFL.
For the Titans, Borgonzi’s experience with the Chiefs will be invaluable in shaping the team’s roster and guiding its talent acquisition strategy. With the Titans sitting in the middle of the pack in the AFC South, Borgonzi’s championship pedigree could provide the leadership necessary to take the team to the next level. His experience in identifying and acquiring the right mix of players—both in the draft and through free agency—could help the Titans build a more well-rounded roster capable of challenging for playoff spots year after year.
- Emphasis on Player Development and Scouting
Borgonzi’s background as a scout gives him a unique advantage in evaluating talent. The NFL draft is often the most important tool for teams looking to build a successful roster, and Borgonzi’s strong scouting acumen could help the Titans make smarter, more informed picks in the draft. His ability to identify both high-profile prospects and under-the-radar gems has been evident throughout his career. In Kansas City, Borgonzi helped bring in key contributors such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebacker Willie Gay Jr., and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire—all players who have made significant impacts on the Chiefs’ success.
For a Titans team that has often struggled to build a deep and talented roster, Borgonzi’s talent evaluation skills could be a game-changer. The team has made several questionable draft decisions in the past, particularly in the later rounds, where they’ve missed out on players who have gone on to achieve success elsewhere. Borgonzi’s ability to find value in later rounds could give the Titans a significant edge when it comes to roster building, helping the team develop more homegrown talent.
- Shifting the Focus to Long-Term Success
One of the criticisms of the Titans in recent years has been their tendency to make short-term decisions that don’t always align with long-term success. The team has often relied heavily on veterans, which can provide an immediate boost, but can also leave the roster thin when those veterans age or are no longer productive. Borgonzi, who has been part of a front office that has successfully balanced immediate success with long-term roster construction, could help the Titans build a sustainable team that’s capable of competing for years to come.
During his time with the Chiefs, Borgonzi witnessed firsthand how a well-balanced approach to roster-building—mixing star players with emerging talent—could lead to sustained success. As the Titans continue to navigate the tail end of quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s prime and the future of their running game with Derrick Henry, Borgonzi’s approach to player acquisition could help guide the team into a new era of sustained success. Instead of putting all their chips on the present, Borgonzi will likely encourage a balanced, long-term approach that sets the team up for success down the road.
- Focus on Offensive Firepower and Explosiveness
One of the areas where the Titans have struggled in recent seasons is their offensive consistency and explosiveness. Despite having a top-tier running back in Derrick Henry, the Titans’ passing game has often been an afterthought, with inconsistent play from their wide receivers and tight ends. The team’s reliance on Henry has been well-documented, but that strategy alone has limited their potential to take the next step. This is where Borgonzi’s experience with the Chiefs’ high-powered offense could make a significant difference.
In Kansas City, Borgonzi played a part in helping to build one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a supporting cast that includes wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. The Chiefs’ ability to score quickly and efficiently has been a major part of their success, and Borgonzi’s emphasis on explosive offensive playmakers could help the Titans retool their attack to become more dynamic. Whether it’s through upgrading the receiving corps, drafting a young, talented quarterback for the future, or adding more playmakers to the offense, Borgonzi’s influence could help the Titans diversify their attack and give Tannehill (or whoever takes the reins in the future) a more potent set of weapons.
Challenges Borgonzi Faces with the Titans
While Mike Borgonzi brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success, he will also face several challenges as the Titans’ general manager. The most significant hurdle will be how to balance the needs of the current roster with the long-term goals of the franchise. The Titans are a team in transition, and there are several key positions, such as quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver, that need attention. Finding the right balance between building for the future while competing in the present will be one of Borgonzi’s most important tasks.
Additionally, the Titans’ position within the AFC South presents a unique challenge. The division has seen significant improvement in recent years, with the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars both showing signs of resurgence. The Houston Texans, although rebuilding, have the potential to surprise as well. Borgonzi will need to ensure that the Titans are positioned to not just compete within their division but also within the broader AFC, which is loaded with talent.
