Mike Borgonzi’s Role as General Manager of the Tennessee Titans: How Much Control Does He Really Have?
When Mike Borgonzi was hired as the new general manager of the Tennessee Titans, it was a moment of both excitement and uncertainty. Borgonzi, who had previously served as the assistant general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, brought a wealth of experience from one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. However, his hiring quickly raised questions regarding how much control he would truly wield over the Titans’ roster and decision-making processes.
The Titans had been in search of a new GM after parting ways with Jon Robinson in December 2022, and Borgonzi’s hiring in 2025 was seen as a significant move to revamp the team’s fortunes. Borgonzi had spent over a decade in Kansas City, working closely with Chiefs’ general manager Brett Veach in building a championship-contending team. The Titans were hoping that Borgonzi’s experience would help them navigate a critical period of rebuilding, especially in light of a roster that had shown signs of aging and underperformance in recent years.
However, as news of Borgonzi’s hiring spread, questions arose about how much autonomy he would have in shaping the team’s future. One of the primary concerns was the structure of the front office and the influence of ownership in the decision-making process. The Titans’ ownership, led by Amy Adams Strunk, has been heavily involved in football operations in the past, and many wondered whether Borgonzi would be able to truly run the show or if he would be working within a framework defined by the team’s owners.
Borgonzi himself addressed these concerns in his introductory press conference, stating that he had a collaborative relationship with ownership and that he was excited to have their support in shaping the team’s direction. He emphasized the importance of aligning the organization’s goals and ensuring a unified approach between the front office, coaching staff, and ownership. Despite these assurances, there remained an undercurrent of skepticism regarding how much freedom Borgonzi would have to make independent decisions.
For example, many analysts pointed to the Titans’ quarterback situation as a key issue that would require Borgonzi’s immediate attention. With veteran Ryan Tannehill’s contract expiring and the team struggling to find a long-term solution at the position, the choice of a future quarterback was likely to be one of Borgonzi’s first major decisions. However, it was unclear how much influence he would have over such a pivotal move, especially considering the fact that head coach Mike Vrabel, a highly respected figure in the organization, had a significant role in shaping the team’s offensive philosophy.
In addition, the Titans’ 2025 draft and free-agent strategies would also test Borgonzi’s authority. Would he have the final say on high-profile decisions like trading for a new star player or selecting a quarterback in the upcoming draft? Or would his decisions be influenced by the established power structure in Tennessee? These questions left some fans and analysts wondering whether Borgonzi would truly be able to make the bold moves needed to turn the Titans’ fortunes around.
The situation has become even more complicated by reports that Vrabel himself has a strong influence on roster decisions. Vrabel, who has been with the Titans since 2018 and has built a reputation as a tough, player-centric coach, has often been vocal about his preferences and his input in team-building decisions. This dynamic has led to speculation that Borgonzi might find himself in a delicate balancing act, ensuring he collaborates closely with Vrabel while still making decisions that align with his vision for the team.
Ultimately, the question of how much control Borgonzi will have is still very much up in the air. While he has the experience and pedigree to be successful, the level of autonomy he enjoys in Tennessee will likely be shaped by the power dynamics between ownership, the coaching staff, and the front office. For Titans fans, the hope is that Borgonzi’s leadership will help steer the team into a new era of success, regardless of the internal structures that define his role. Only time will tell how much control he truly has over the direction of the franchise.
