Tennessee Titans names Mike Borgonzi as new general manager

In a significant move that has already set the tone for a new era of Tennessee Titans football, the team has officially named Mike Borgonzi as their new General Manager. This decision comes at a pivotal time for the Titans, who are looking to recalibrate and reestablish themselves as Super Bowl contenders in the AFC. Borgonzi, who has spent over a decade in the NFL, brings a wealth of experience, an analytical mindset, and a keen eye for talent that is expected to reshape the team’s approach to player acquisition, roster construction, and long-term strategy.

Borgonzi’s appointment is not just about filling a role; it’s a signal that the Titans are ready to evolve. In the competitive world of the NFL, teams that do not consistently refresh their leadership risk being left behind. The Titans, who have been somewhat stagnant in recent years after multiple playoff appearances, recognize that now is the time for bold changes and fresh perspectives.

In this article, we’ll dive into Mike Borgonzi’s background, his approach to team-building, and what his hiring means for the Titans’ future both in the short term and the long term.

A Look at Mike Borgonzi’s Journey in the NFL

Mike Borgonzi has earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s up-and-coming executives over the course of his career. Before becoming the Titans’ general manager, Borgonzi spent significant time with the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the NFL’s most successful franchises over the past decade. With the Chiefs, Borgonzi held several roles, ultimately rising to the position of Director of Player Personnel.

Borgonzi’s tenure with the Chiefs was marked by a blend of successful draft picks, solid free-agent acquisitions, and a consistently high level of roster construction. During his time in Kansas City, the team achieved great success, including multiple playoff appearances, an AFC Championship, and a Super Bowl victory in 2020. The Chiefs’ remarkable run was fueled by a mix of smart player development, long-term planning, and an ability to maintain a competitive roster year after year. Borgonzi was instrumental in all of these aspects, providing valuable insight into how the Chiefs were able to build a championship contender from the ground up.

His background in player scouting and roster management positions him perfectly to take over the general manager role with the Titans. Borgonzi’s ability to evaluate talent, both in the draft and free agency, will be crucial as the Titans look to add playmakers and build a team capable of competing for championships.

Borgonzi’s Vision for the Titans

Mike Borgonzi’s approach to team-building has always been one focused on balance, depth, and adaptability. In Kansas City, Borgonzi worked alongside Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach to construct a team that was both explosive on offense and fundamentally sound on defense. It’s this balanced, holistic approach that he will look to bring to the Titans, who have shown potential but have often struggled to break through in the AFC playoff picture.

Building Through the Draft

One of Borgonzi’s hallmarks in Kansas City was his ability to find talent in the draft. While the Chiefs have benefited greatly from high-profile selections like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the team also excelled in finding productive players in the later rounds. Borgonzi understands that a successful NFL franchise is built not just through top-tier talent, but through consistent depth at every position. His philosophy revolves around getting the right players into the system, whether they’re first-round picks or undrafted free agents.

For the Titans, this focus on drafting well is essential. The team has had its fair share of hits and misses in recent drafts, and while players like Jeffery Simmons and Derrick Henry have been instrumental in the team’s success, the Titans need to continue adding young, talented players to build a roster that can contend year after year. Borgonzi’s experience in identifying and developing talent from all parts of the draft will be invaluable as the team looks to enhance its roster.

Patience and Long-Term Vision

One of the most important aspects of Borgonzi’s approach is his emphasis on patience. The NFL is a league driven by short-term expectations, with teams often making rash decisions in the pursuit of immediate results. However, Borgonzi understands that building a sustainable, championship-caliber roster requires a long-term vision. This patient approach will be key for the Titans, who have been in the playoff hunt for years but have often fallen short of their ultimate goal.

Borgonzi’s patience allows him to look past short-term hurdles and make decisions with the long-term health of the franchise in mind. Whether it’s navigating the quarterback position, developing young talent, or making calculated moves in free agency, Borgonzi is likely to prioritize a methodical, strategic approach. This might mean holding off on big, headline-grabbing trades or signings in favor of more prudent, calculated moves that strengthen the team in the long run.

In his new role, Borgonzi will have the opportunity to guide the Titans through a potential rebuilding phase, particularly at quarterback. The team is facing the reality that Ryan Tannehill’s time as the starter may be coming to an end, and the next era of Titans football will likely require a fresh face under center. Borgonzi’s ability to maintain a steady, focused approach during this transition will be key to ensuring the team’s success beyond the immediate future.

Rebuilding the Offense

While the Titans have enjoyed great success with a strong running game led by Derrick Henry, the team has often struggled to keep up with more pass-oriented offenses in the AFC. The Titans will need to adapt to the evolving nature of the NFL, and that will likely involve increasing their offensive firepower, especially through the air. Borgonzi will have to address the team’s offensive struggles, particularly at wide receiver, where the Titans have lacked a true No. 1 option since the departure of A.J. Brown.

Borgonzi’s experience with the Chiefs’ high-powered offense should be a major asset in this area. Kansas City’s offense, which has been among the most dynamic in the NFL under Patrick Mahomes, has thrived due to a combination of elite skill position players, effective play-calling, and a system that emphasizes flexibility and creativity. The Titans will likely look to adopt some of these principles as they look to diversify their offensive attack, possibly looking for a new quarterback and investing in playmakers to surround him.

Defense: Maintaining a Strong Foundation

While the Titans have often been criticized for their offensive inconsistencies, their defense has been one of the team’s strongest assets. Under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the Titans have developed a tough, hard-nosed defense that has been consistently solid, led by standout players like Jeffery Simmons, Harold Landry, and Kevin Byard. Borgonzi understands the importance of maintaining a strong defense as the foundation of a championship-contending team.

As part of his plan, Borgonzi will likely focus on maintaining the defensive core while also addressing any weaknesses. The Titans have a strong pass rush, but they need to continue to build depth at linebacker and in the secondary. Borgonzi’s ability to evaluate and acquire defensive talent, whether through the draft or free agency, will be key to keeping the Titans competitive on that side of the ball.

Mike Borgonzi’s Impact on the Franchise

Mike Borgonzi’s hiring represents a bold step forward for the Tennessee Titans. The franchise has long been known for its gritty, blue-collar approach to football, but under Borgonzi’s leadership, there is an opportunity for a more balanced, strategic, and forward-thinking mindset to take hold. The team’s success will ultimately depend on his ability to find the right pieces to complement the existing roster and build for the future.

Borgonzi’s wealth of experience, especially his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, provides him with a blueprint for success. The Chiefs’ rise to prominence over the past decade is a testament to the importance of building a complete roster, being patient with the development of young players, and making smart, calculated decisions. The Titans are in a similar position, needing to make the right moves to return to the top of the AFC.

In the short term, the Titans’ immediate focus will likely be on the quarterback position, as Ryan Tannehill’s time with the team could be winding down. Borgonzi’s approach will be critical in deciding whether the Titans go with a young quarterback, such as in the 2025 NFL Draft, or explore other options via trade or free agency. No matter the decision, the key will be ensuring that the franchise builds for long-term success rather than settling for quick fixes.

 A New Era for the Titans

Mike Borgonzi’s appointment as the general manager of the Tennessee Titans marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the franchise. His focus on patient, strategic team-building, combined with his experience in constructing championship-caliber rosters, will set the tone for the Titans’ future. As the team navigates a potential quarterback transition and continues to build a competitive roster, Borgonzi’s leadership will be essential in ensuring the Titans return to prominence in the AFC and beyond. The future is bright for Tennessee, and under Borgonzi’s guidance, the Titans will look to build a team capable of sustained success for years to come.