The Tennessee Titans’ president discusses firing the general manager.

The Tennessee Titans, once a team with playoff aspirations and a solid foundation, have found themselves at a crossroads in the 2025 NFL season. A mixture of underperformance on the field, inconsistent roster decisions, and a lack of overall cohesion between coaching staff, front office, and players led to a decision that was never easy but was necessary for the future of the franchise: firing the general manager. The move has left fans, analysts, and the organization itself in a state of reflection, considering what comes next.

The firing of a general manager is a significant event in any NFL team’s lifecycle, especially for a franchise like the Titans, who have had periods of success but have struggled to break into true championship contention. As the Titans’ president, Amy Adams Strunk, spoke publicly after the move, it became clear that this was not just about results on the field, but about the bigger picture for the franchise’s long-term vision. Strunk’s candid and direct response shed light on the thought process behind the decision and the broader implications it holds for the Titans’ future.

This article will delve into the reasoning behind the Titans’ decision to part ways with their general manager, Amy Adams Strunk’s perspective on the firing, and what it means for the direction of the franchise moving forward.

The Titans’ Struggles Leading to the Firing

The Tennessee Titans have been in a state of flux over the past few seasons. After a successful 2019 campaign that saw them reach the AFC Championship game, the franchise has not been able to consistently replicate that level of success. The roster has gone through significant changes, with key players aging or moving on, and the team’s offense struggling to find a rhythm despite having one of the best running backs in the NFL in Derrick Henry.

The front office, under the leadership of the now-former general manager, had been unable to make the necessary roster moves to push the team into the elite tier of the NFL. Questions had been raised about the team’s draft decisions, its inconsistent ability to develop talent, and its failure to address critical weaknesses, such as the passing game and the offensive line. Despite having some high-profile acquisitions, the Titans were still being held back by a lack of cohesion across their roster and a distinct inability to build a championship-caliber team.

Over time, it became apparent that the general manager’s approach had become outdated, and the Titans were stagnating, missing opportunities to truly challenge for a Super Bowl. The once-promising defense, led by stars like Jeffery Simmons and Kevin Byard, had its moments, but inconsistent play, particularly in key matchups, revealed a larger issue: roster construction.

When the Titans suffered another early playoff exit in 2024, the pressure on the general manager’s position became palpable. The team needed a more strategic, cohesive approach to roster building, and it was clear that the current management was not delivering on those fronts. The ultimate tipping point came when, after a loss in a must-win game, several key players were openly frustrated with the lack of consistency in the team’s decision-making. That is when the firing of the general manager was decided.

Amy Adams Strunk’s Statement on the Firing

As the decision to part ways with the general manager became official, Amy Adams Strunk, the Titans’ president and principal owner, addressed the media with a statement that reflected both the urgency of the situation and the long-term goals for the team. Her words highlighted several key themes, including accountability, the search for a new direction, and a commitment to returning the Titans to championship contention.

In her address, Strunk began by acknowledging the challenges of making such a significant move. “Making a decision like this is never easy,” Strunk said. “We appreciate the work that [the general manager] has put into this organization. However, the reality is that we need a fresh perspective and new leadership to take us forward.”

Strunk was careful not to place blame entirely on the shoulders of the general manager, recognizing the complexities of the NFL front office and the challenges of managing a roster in a salary cap-driven league. But she also stressed the need for accountability. “We have high expectations for our team and our front office. It’s our responsibility to make sure we are doing everything possible to build a competitive, sustainable program. After evaluating where we are as a franchise, it became clear that a change was needed.”

She also touched on the timing of the move, explaining that it was done with the long-term health of the franchise in mind. “We want to win now, but we also want to build a team that will contend for championships year after year. We have a great fanbase, a strong culture, and we believe in our players and coaches. Now it’s about finding the right person who can lead us to where we want to go.”

Strunk’s words carried a sense of optimism despite the difficult decision. It was clear that while the team was in a period of transition, she believed this change would provide an opportunity for new leadership and a fresh start, one that could propel the Titans back into the playoff picture and beyond.

Why the Firing Was Necessary for the Titans

The decision to fire the general manager was not simply a reaction to a single season or a single loss. It was part of a broader realization within the organization that a fresh, forward-thinking approach was necessary. The Titans, though competitive, had hit a ceiling, and the franchise needed to evolve to keep up with the changing dynamics of the NFL.

Roster Building and Talent Development

One of the primary reasons for the firing was the Titans’ failure to build a consistently competitive roster. While Tennessee had several standout players, including Derrick Henry and the stalwart defensive line, the rest of the roster showed signs of stagnation. The passing game had not developed as expected, and the offensive line was aging and inconsistent. The Titans had been unable to find a quarterback of the future, and the team’s depth at key positions, particularly wide receiver and defensive back, was lacking.

The draft decisions, too, had raised questions. Several high-profile picks under the general manager’s tenure had not panned out as expected, particularly in the later rounds where teams often find valuable contributors. The inability to develop younger players, whether on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, was another factor that led to the change in leadership. The Titans needed someone who could identify talent and build a roster that could not only win in the present but sustain success over the long term.

The Need for a New Philosophy

While the Titans had maintained a balanced approach under the previous general manager, the changing landscape of the NFL required a more dynamic strategy. The NFL is increasingly becoming a league dominated by high-scoring offenses, and teams that focus on a strong defense and a run-first mentality, while effective at times, often struggle to keep up with the league’s best.

The Titans had struggled to evolve offensively, particularly in their passing game. Despite having one of the best running backs in the league in Derrick Henry, the offense remained predictable, and the inability to consistently stretch the field through the air hampered the team’s ability to compete with higher-powered offenses. A new general manager would need to bring in a philosophy that embraces offensive balance, creativity, and the ability to adapt to the modern NFL, all while maintaining the team’s defensive identity.

Coaching and Front Office Alignment

One of the most important aspects of a successful NFL franchise is the alignment between the front office and coaching staff. Over the past few seasons, there were signs of tension between the coaching staff and front office, particularly when it came to roster decisions. A general manager must be able to work in harmony with the head coach, and if the two are not on the same page, the franchise will struggle.

The firing of the general manager was also about ensuring that the next leadership structure would prioritize a collaborative, synergistic relationship between coaches and front-office personnel. The Titans needed a general manager who could align with the head coach and work toward a common vision for the team’s future.

What Comes Next for the Titans?

With the general manager position now vacant, the Titans face a crucial decision: who will they hire to lead their front office? This decision will shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.

Strunk and the Titans’ ownership group have already begun their search for the next general manager, focusing on candidates who bring both experience and a fresh perspective to the organization. The new general manager will need to be someone who understands the modern NFL, someone who can build a team around a young quarterback and an evolving offense while continuing to develop the defense into a championship-caliber unit.

The new GM will likely place a significant emphasis on the draft and player development, as well as building relationships with the coaching staff. In addition to improving the passing game, there will be a need to develop a more consistent and explosive offense overall. Adding talent to key positions, particularly at wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back, will be a top priority.

As the search for the new general manager continues, Titans fans will be looking for hope, vision, and a clear path to return the team to the top of the AFC.