Mike Borgonzi: Tennessee Titans general manager hired from Kansas City Chiefs

In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the Tennessee Titans have officially named Mike Borgonzi as their new general manager. Borgonzi’s appointment represents a significant shift for the Titans, a team with a history of playoff contention but an increasing need to modernize its approach to roster construction, talent development, and overall team building. Borgonzi arrives in Tennessee after a successful tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, a franchise that has consistently been one of the league’s top performers in recent years, thanks in part to his strategic eye for talent and his work in helping construct a roster capable of competing for championships.

The timing of Borgonzi’s hiring couldn’t be more crucial. The Titans find themselves at a crossroads, with a roster that has underperformed relative to its potential. A team that once relied heavily on a stout defense and an elite running game behind Derrick Henry, Tennessee now finds itself needing a more dynamic, balanced offense and better long-term planning. Borgonzi, with his background in player development, roster construction, and ability to build teams that thrive in both the short term and the long term, is seen as the person who can help guide the franchise through this transition.

This article explores Mike Borgonzi’s background, the significance of his hiring for the Titans, and how his philosophy can impact the franchise’s future direction.

Mike Borgonzi’s Path to the Tennessee Titans

Before joining the Tennessee Titans, Mike Borgonzi built an impressive career with the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the NFL’s premier franchises over the last decade. Borgonzi joined the Chiefs in 2009 as an intern in the football operations department and quickly worked his way up the ranks. Over the years, he held a variety of positions, including pro scout, college scout, and ultimately, the role of Director of Player Personnel, where he played a significant role in identifying talent and helping build a Super Bowl-winning roster.

The Chiefs’ success over the past several years has been largely attributed to General Manager Brett Veach and a highly collaborative front office, which included Borgonzi as a key decision-maker. During his time with the Chiefs, Borgonzi helped oversee several high-profile draft picks, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill, all of whom have been instrumental in Kansas City’s ascent to the top of the AFC. The Chiefs have also consistently found success in free agency, supplementing their roster with high-value acquisitions that complement their stars.

Borgonzi’s ability to evaluate talent—whether through the draft or free agency—was key to the Chiefs’ sustained success. His role in Kansas City allowed him to gain firsthand experience in all facets of roster management, from scouting and player evaluation to contract negotiations and long-term planning. His reputation as an analytical thinker with a sharp eye for identifying both high-end stars and underrated gems made him one of the NFL’s rising stars in terms of front-office personnel.

Now, with the Titans, Borgonzi brings that same expertise to a team that is looking to take the next step toward championship contention. He will have the responsibility of reshaping the team’s roster, improving areas of weakness, and maintaining the success the franchise has had in recent years, all while navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing league.

The Significance of Borgonzi’s Hiring for the Tennessee Titans

The Titans have been a competitive franchise in the AFC for several seasons, with a solid defense and a punishing running game as their core strengths. However, the team has not made significant strides in improving its passing offense or its overall roster depth. Despite multiple playoff appearances and even a trip to the AFC Championship in 2019, the Titans have struggled to push through the final barrier that separates playoff teams from Super Bowl contenders. This gap is one that Borgonzi is well-positioned to address, thanks to his experience in building championship-caliber rosters.

A New Direction for the Quarterback Position

Perhaps the most pressing issue for the Titans under Borgonzi’s leadership will be the quarterback position. For years, Ryan Tannehill has served as the steady but unspectacular leader of the offense. Tannehill guided the team to the playoffs multiple times and even helped the Titans to the AFC Championship game in 2019, but his performance in recent years has shown signs of decline. With Tannehill approaching the end of his career, the Titans will need a new quarterback to lead them into the future.

Borgonzi’s track record with the Chiefs, particularly in helping to develop a superstar like Patrick Mahomes, makes him a key figure in the Titans’ decision-making process when it comes to finding the next face of the franchise. Whether the Titans decide to draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft or make a move in free agency, Borgonzi will be instrumental in identifying and developing the right player for the team’s needs.

Unlike previous front offices, which may have rushed to find a quick solution, Borgonzi is expected to take a more measured approach, ensuring the right player is selected, and giving them the necessary time to grow into the role. Borgonzi’s experience with Mahomes, who sat behind Alex Smith for a season before taking over as the starter, suggests that the Titans may follow a similar path if they select a rookie quarterback—one who can learn behind a veteran for a season or two before fully assuming the starting role.

Offensive Revitalization

While the Titans’ defense has been one of the team’s stronger units over the past few seasons, the offense has often struggled to keep pace with the league’s more explosive units. Despite having one of the best running backs in the NFL in Derrick Henry, Tennessee has lacked the type of dynamic passing game that can consistently threaten opposing defenses.

Under Borgonzi’s leadership, the Titans are expected to place a greater emphasis on the passing game, while still maintaining the team’s physical running identity. The Titans need a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver, a consistent offensive line, and a more diversified offensive attack. Borgonzi’s ability to scout and acquire the right pieces will be critical here. Whether through the draft or free agency, the Titans need to find a quarterback who can elevate the receiving corps and an offensive coordinator who can fully utilize the talent at his disposal.

Borgonzi will also need to address the offensive line, which has been inconsistent at times. Protecting the quarterback and opening up lanes for Derrick Henry are paramount to the Titans’ success. With the offensive line being a key area of focus, Borgonzi will likely look for ways to strengthen this unit while also adding talent at the skill positions, such as wide receiver and tight end.

Building a Balanced Roster

One of the hallmarks of Borgonzi’s tenure with the Chiefs was his ability to build a well-rounded, deep roster. The Chiefs were able to maintain a high level of success thanks to not only their star players but also their depth across all positions. In Tennessee, Borgonzi will have to focus on improving depth, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker. With the defense solid at key positions like defensive line and edge rusher, Borgonzi’s task will be to add playmakers and versatile pieces to complement the existing talent.

He will also need to balance the books, ensuring that the team has enough financial flexibility to make key acquisitions while still retaining the franchise’s core players. The NFL’s salary cap can be a tricky balancing act, but Borgonzi has experience in managing these dynamics and will have to make tough decisions regarding player contracts, particularly with some of the team’s older players.

Patience and Long-Term Planning

One of the qualities that set Borgonzi apart during his time with the Chiefs is his patience and long-term vision. The Titans have been a competitive team for several seasons but have fallen short of truly contending for a Super Bowl. Borgonzi’s ability to look beyond the immediate and focus on the long-term health of the franchise will be critical in helping the Titans avoid becoming mired in short-sighted decisions that could jeopardize their future success.

Borgonzi’s approach to building a team will likely involve a combination of high-level talent acquisition, smart free-agent signings, and a deep commitment to player development. The Chiefs’ success didn’t happen overnight, and Borgonzi will be tasked with making sure the Titans’ rebuild is done the right way—slowly, steadily, and with a keen focus on future championships rather than immediate gratification.

What This Means for the Tennessee Titans

Mike Borgonzi’s hiring as the new general manager represents a shift in philosophy for the Tennessee Titans. The team has long prided itself on toughness, defense, and a strong running game, but the NFL is evolving. To truly compete with the best in the AFC, the Titans will need to embrace a more balanced, high-powered offense, while still maintaining the defense and physicality that have been staples of their identity.

Borgonzi’s track record with the Chiefs gives Titans fans reason to believe that the franchise is in good hands. With his eye for talent, focus on long-term success, and ability to build a deep, competitive roster, Borgonzi is well-equipped to help guide the Titans back to the upper echelon of the NFL.

The future of the Tennessee Titans may be uncertain, but with Mike Borgonzi at the helm, the team is taking a step in the right direction—toward building a championship-caliber roster that can contend for years to come. Whether that means drafting a young quarterback, adding key pieces to the offense, or continuing to strengthen the defense, Borgonzi is poised to lead the Titans into a new era of success.