Titans Get A Fast And Violent Start To The Robert Saleh Era

NASHVILLE — The Titans officially introduced Robert Saleh as their new head coach Thursday, and it didn’t take long to understand what kind of football he wants to play.

“Fast and violent.”

That phrase echoed throughout Saleh’s introductory press conference as he laid out his vision for a franchise searching for direction. Players were present for the introduction, including quarterback Cameron Ward and All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, signaling early buy-in from the locker room.

Saleh repeatedly circled back to one core belief: people matter.

“It goes back to people, bringing in people who are capable of executing the vision of the organization,” Saleh said. “We’re going to preach effort, we’re going to preach strain, we’re going to preach violence.”

Later, when asked how fans would know when the standard had taken hold, he offered a simple answer — “they will jump off the tape.”

General manager Mike Borgonzi said Saleh arrived prepared with a detailed plan that extended through offseason workouts and player development.

“We wanted a leader for this football team who could build a winning culture and connect the entire building,” Borgonzi said.

Saleh’s presence matched that description. Confident, energetic and direct, he commanded the room while addressing both the media and the organization’s leadership.

He also made it clear that he’ll be heavily involved on the field. Saleh confirmed he will call plays, saying that during his time in New York he felt like a “timeouts and red flag” guy when he wasn’t. Calling plays, he explained, keeps him connected to the players and the rhythm of the game on Sundays.

Offensively, Saleh praised the young staff the team has assembled and their plans for Ward’s development. When asked about Brian Daboll’s role, Saleh didn’t hesitate: “Daboll is the perfect man to match up with Cam.”

Questions about long-term staff stability came up as well, with Saleh noting that several coaches are already on the fast track to coordinator roles — a move that could help maintain continuity if success follows.

For the Titans, Thursday wasn’t just an introduction. It was a statement. Saleh now takes control of a team eager for a reset, with the offseason marking the first steps toward a new identity.