Chad Brinker, Titans president of football operations, steps down
· Yahoo Sports
Chad Brinker, the Tennessee Titans executive who rose from assistant general manager to president of football operations in his embattled three-plus year run with the franchise, has resigned.
"It has been an honor to serve as president of football operations of the Tennessee Titans," Brinker said in a statement. "Over the years, I've understood and embraced my role as the leader of the football strategy, but as I've spent less time in personnel, I have a renewed conviction that it is time to return to what I love and move towards my next chapter. I'm grateful for (controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk's) understanding in my decision, and for allowing me to pursue other opportunities.
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"I'm proud of the work we've done over the past three years ― under challenging circumstances ― to begin the process of getting the Titans football organization back on track, not the least of which was last year's general manager search. I believe the Titans have exceptional people and long-term stability at the general manager position and throughout the scouting department. While there is work to be done, I believe we've laid the foundation to restore the Titans to its rightful place as a sustainable, winning program.
"My family and I will always be grateful for Amy's belief and trust in me, and for our time in Tennessee."
Brinker came to the Titans from the Green Bay Packers in 2023, working as assistant general manager under former GM Ran Carthon. He led the search to hire current GM Mike Borgonzi. In Borgonzi's first year as GM, Brinker was given final say on roster matters, but that role was flipped to be in Borgonzi's hands starting at the end of the 2025 season.
What Amy Adams Strunk said: Titans owner offers statement
Adams Strunk, the Titans controlling owner, trusted Brinker to be the point person on the search for a new general manager in 2025. Brinker and Titans CEO Burke Nihill set out to find a leader who emphasized patience and rebuilding the structural culture in Nashville. They believe they found that candidate in Borgonzi.
Still, Borgonzi's presence made it less valuable having Brinker around, relegating him in the background of the personnel department rather than up front like he had been under Carthon's regime.
"When we first met Chad, it was clear he was an exceptional talent with deep knowledge of the game and the ability to connect big-picture strategy to execution," Adams Strunk said in a statement. "While it is difficult to lose him, I understand his decision and will do whatever I can to support him. I wish he, Rachelle, and their family the absolute best as they prepare for what's next and thank them for their dedication and loyalty to the Tennessee Titans."
This story will be updated.
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at [email protected]. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Chad Brinker, Tennessee Titans president of football operations, steps down