From Super Bowl LIX: Thomas Dimitroff Discusses the Titans GM Interview Process, and Expresses Confidence on the Team’s New Front Office Hires

As the NFL landscape continues to shift, one of the more intriguing developments has been the Tennessee Titans’ efforts to retool their front office. Following the firing of former general manager Jon Robinson, the Titans have taken a fresh approach to their team-building strategies, and a key part of that process has been hiring new executives and leadership. The hiring of Mike Borgonzi as the new general manager and several other key additions to the front office represent a pivotal step for the franchise as they look to build on their competitive success of the past few seasons while addressing areas that need improvement.

One individual with an extensive perspective on what it takes to build a successful front office in the NFL is Thomas Dimitroff, the former general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who has seen firsthand the highs and lows of NFL team-building. Dimitroff, who spent over a decade leading the Falcons to numerous playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl run in 2016, has always been lauded for his strategic approach to roster construction, player evaluation, and leadership. Recently, Dimitroff shared his thoughts on the Titans’ general manager search, the front office interview process, and his overall confidence in the team’s recent hires, offering unique insight into the franchise’s future.

A New Era for the Tennessee Titans

The decision to part ways with Jon Robinson after years of solid but inconsistent performance signaled that the Titans were ready to embrace change. Under Robinson’s leadership, the Titans had several successful seasons, including an AFC Championship appearance in 2019. However, as the years went on, the team’s weaknesses began to outweigh its strengths. Tennessee’s draft success was inconsistent, and their offense, which was once dominant under quarterback Ryan Tannehill, started to stagnate. While the defense remained strong, it wasn’t enough to elevate the team to a championship level. The decision to move on from Robinson was about more than just on-the-field results; it reflected a need for a new vision and direction in a highly competitive AFC.

In early 2025, the Titans found their new leader in Mike Borgonzi, who was formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has enjoyed remarkable success in recent seasons. Borgonzi’s experience in evaluating talent, managing a roster, and working under the tutelage of Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid made him an attractive candidate. However, Borgonzi wasn’t the only significant hire the Titans made during this offseason. The team also focused on expanding its front office with key additions, including personnel experts and assistant GMs, all of whom will work under Borgonzi to reshape the franchise’s approach to both the draft and free agency.

Thomas Dimitroff Reflects on the Titans’ GM Search

As someone with a long history in NFL personnel management, Thomas Dimitroff was closely following the Titans’ search for a new general manager. Dimitroff is no stranger to the pressures of building a team capable of competing at the highest level, and he understands the complexities that come with finding the right leadership for an organization. In a recent interview, Dimitroff offered valuable insight into the GM hiring process and what qualities he believes are essential for success in a front-office role.

“The first thing you have to understand when you’re going through this process is the cultural fit,” Dimitroff said. “You can have the most talented evaluator in the world, but if they don’t fit with the head coach and the ownership’s vision, it’s not going to work. It’s a partnership. This is a people business. You need someone who understands how to build relationships across the organization and who can create a cohesive, unified vision for the team.”

Dimitroff praised the Titans for focusing not only on the candidate’s resume but also on the interpersonal aspects of the interview process. Borgonzi’s experience working with Andy Reid, a well-known and respected leader in the NFL, likely helped him stand out as someone who could collaborate effectively with head coach Mike Vrabel and the ownership group. Dimitroff emphasized that having a harmonious relationship between the GM and the head coach is crucial for any successful NFL team.

“In Kansas City, you’ve seen the success of that dynamic between Andy and Mike [Borgonzi], where there is a clear, mutual respect,” Dimitroff explained. “That kind of synergy leads to consistency and smart decision-making. That’s what any team needs if they’re going to make long-term success a reality.”

Dimitroff also highlighted Borgonzi’s experience with the Chiefs’ scouting and personnel departments as a significant asset. The Chiefs have been able to identify and develop talent at all levels, from the draft to free agency. Borgonzi’s fingerprints are on a number of key Chiefs acquisitions, including the successful selection of Patrick Mahomes, who has become one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Dimitroff believes Borgonzi’s keen eye for talent, along with his understanding of the player development process, makes him a perfect fit for the Titans as they look to rebuild their roster and become perennial contenders.

“Mike’s ability to identify talent, not just in the first round but in later rounds and undrafted free agents, will serve the Titans well,” Dimitroff added. “In the NFL, the draft is always the most important factor in a team’s success, and Borgonzi’s experience in finding value will help the Titans get back on track.”

Confidence in the New Front Office Hires

In addition to the hiring of Borgonzi, the Titans made several other key front-office moves aimed at fortifying their personnel department. Dimitroff expressed confidence that the team’s new hires would be instrumental in creating a competitive, forward-thinking front office that can build a sustainable winner.

“The decision to bring in a strong support system for Mike Borgonzi speaks volumes about the direction the team is headed,” Dimitroff said. “You need a group of people who understand their roles and can collaborate with the GM to execute the long-term vision. The fact that the Titans have made these hires shows that ownership is committed to building a championship-caliber organization.”

While the GM is the face of the front office, Dimitroff stressed that success in the NFL is a collective effort. Having talented scouts, assistant GMs, and analysts all working in concert under Borgonzi’s leadership will be key to improving the Titans’ roster. Dimitroff mentioned that the Titans’ ability to focus on scouting both college prospects and evaluating free agents will allow them to remain competitive in an ever-changing league.

“The Titans are bringing in individuals who have a strong track record in both evaluating college players and navigating the tricky free-agent market. That combination of expertise is going to be critical in making the right decisions,” he explained. “It’s all about the ability to adjust and find the right talent at the right time. The front office hires are an indication that the Titans are doing just that.”

As the Titans work to reshape their roster, Dimitroff believes that they need to take a holistic approach to team-building, much like what he tried to do with the Falcons. This includes creating a balanced roster, addressing both sides of the ball, and ensuring that every position group is stocked with the right players for their system. Dimitroff is optimistic that the Titans, under Borgonzi’s leadership, will take a similar approach by being strategic and meticulous in their player evaluations.

Building for the Future: Dimitroff’s Advice

Having spent years in the front office of an NFL team, Dimitroff also offered some valuable advice for the Titans as they look toward the future.

“The key to long-term success is patience,” Dimitroff said. “You can’t expect instant results, especially in a competitive league like the NFL. You need to make sure you’re building the right foundation, even if it takes time. The Titans have the right leadership in place now, and with a strong, collaborative front office, they’ll be able to build a roster that can sustain success over the long haul.”

Dimitroff also stressed the importance of the Titans maintaining a clear vision and sticking to it. Whether it’s committing to a dominant running game or building around a strong defensive foundation, staying true to the team’s identity is critical.

“The worst thing you can do as a GM is get too caught up in the noise and feel pressure to change direction every year. You need to have a clear understanding of who you are as a team and what you want to be in the long run,” he advised. “The Titans are fortunate to have a coach like Mike Vrabel, who knows exactly what kind of team he wants to have, and now they have a GM who can help put the pieces in place.”