Titans Seek to Build Winning Culture Under New Leadership

Titans GM and new coach emphasize the importance of establishing a strong team culture

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Tennessee Titans are once again focusing on building a winning culture as they undergo a coaching change. New Titans GM Mike Borgonzi and head coach Robert Saleh have emphasized the importance of establishing a clear, shared vision and expectations for the team, as well as fostering trust and accountability among players, coaches, and staff. The Titans have consulted with culture-building expert Dr. Fred Johnson, who has worked with several NFL teams, to help define and develop their team culture.

Why it matters

Developing a strong team culture is seen as crucial for the Titans' long-term success, as it can help maximize the potential of the team's talent and create a more cohesive, high-performing organization. However, building culture takes time and patience, which has been a challenge for the Titans in recent years with frequent leadership changes. The Titans' ability to establish a sustainable winning culture under Saleh and Borgonzi will be closely watched, as it could determine the trajectory of the franchise in the coming years.

The details

Borgonzi and Saleh have outlined their approach to identifying players and staff who will be the right cultural fits for the Titans. This includes probing deeper into a player's passion for the game, work ethic, and ability to be accountable and trust their teammates. The coaching staff will also focus on fostering open communication and addressing any issues or drama before they fester. Saleh says they will use film sessions and informal interviews at the combine to assess a player's football IQ and ability to absorb and apply coaching.

  • The Titans hired Robert Saleh as their new head coach in January 2026.
  • Mike Borgonzi was promoted to Titans GM in December 2025.

The players

Mike Borgonzi

The Tennessee Titans' general manager who has emphasized the importance of building a winning culture for the team.

Robert Saleh

The new head coach of the Tennessee Titans, hired in January 2026, who is tasked with establishing a strong team culture.

Dr. Fred Johnson

A culture-building expert, author, and founder of the InitiativeOne leadership institute who has consulted with several NFL teams, including the Titans, on developing team culture.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted a leader for this football team that could build a winning culture.”

— Mike Borgonzi, Tennessee Titans General Manager (The Tennessean)

“The greatest teams are teams that they can clear up drama before it has a chance to ferment by putting it on the table and addressing it.”

— Dr. Fred Johnson, Culture-building expert (The Tennessean)

“If we have 15-20 minutes with these young men in a formal setting, we're really just trying to figure out their mental capacity for the game. We're trying to figure out their football IQ, their recall.”

— Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans Head Coach (The Tennessean)

What’s next

The Titans will continue to evaluate potential draft and free agent targets at the NFL Scouting Combine, focusing on finding players who fit their desired team culture. Saleh and Borgonzi will also work to establish clear expectations and accountability measures for the entire organization as they look to build a sustainable winning culture in Tennessee.

The takeaway

Developing a strong, cohesive team culture is seen as a crucial factor for the Titans' long-term success, as it can help maximize the potential of the team's talent and create a more unified, high-performing organization. However, building culture takes time and patience, which has been a challenge for the Titans in recent years. The Titans' ability to establish a sustainable winning culture under Saleh and Borgonzi will be closely watched as it could determine the trajectory of the franchise in the coming years.