The Tennessee Titans are going to have to find a new President of Football Operations. Chad Brinker, who has occupied that role since 2024, has stepped down from his role. It comes as interesting timing following the 2026 NFL Draft, but Brinker is pursuing new opportunities away from the front office.
Chad Brinker Shockingly Steps Down
Brinker is stepping away from his duties helping to run the Titans in a shocking turn of events. Brinker expressed a desire to return back to the personnel side of football and said he was ready to move away from the football strategy part of the game.
“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,” said Brinker in his statement.
Titans President of Football Operations Chad Brinker steps down pic.twitter.com/SkLc59saep
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 29, 2026
It comes at a unique time after just completing the draft with the Titans.
“Right after the draft is an incredibly weird time to step down no?” said OTL, a social media personality.
Right after the draft is an incredibly weird time to step down no? https://t.co/wkoRuVhR9Z
— OTL (@otl_ff) April 29, 2026
Now, the Titans have to search for a new president after having their old president make key decisions for the team that he won’t be there to see play out. This might seem like minor news, but this is a huge shakeup in the Tennessee organization. NFL insider Ian Rapoport described the news as a “significant development” for their organization.
It was a shock to the NFL world because of the timing. The NFL world will be waiting to see Brinker’s next steps as Tennessee is forced to scramble for a new president.
“Big news out of Nashville tonight. Wow didn’t expect this,” said the Titans Report Podcast on X.
Tennessee has had plenty of changes to its organization over the last five years and this is the newest twist in the tale. They’ve had multiple franchise quarterbacks come and go. Malik Willis, Will Levis, and Ryan Tannehill all had their moments at quarterback, but the face of the franchise is Cam Ward now.
“Titans are a whirlwind the last 5 years,” said Giants social media personality Bobby Skinner.
Titans are a whirlwind the last 5 years https://t.co/EQPsqkbwqJ
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) April 29, 2026
“The Titans change their entire organizational plan literally every year,” said NFL personality Gregg Rosenthal.
the Titans change their entire organizational plan literally every year https://t.co/V6s5VGP1og
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) April 29, 2026
The Titans have also had three head coaches in the last few seasons with Mike Vrabel, Brian Callahan, and Robert Saleh. It’s been a revolving door in Tennessee and Brinker is the latest out the door.
“Since Dec. 2022, the Titans have fired Jon Robinson, hired Ran Carthon, fired Mike Vrabel, hired Brian Callahan, fired Carthon, promoted Chad Brinker, hired Mike Borgonzi, fired Callahan, hired Robert Saleh and seen Brinker resign,” said NFL reporter Jonathan Jones.
Since Dec. 2022, the Titans have fired Jon Robinson, hired Ran Carthon, fired Mike Vrabel, hired Brian Callahan, fired Carthon, promoted Chad Brinker, hired Mike Borgonzi, fired Callahan, hired Robert Saleh and seen Brinker resign.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) April 29, 2026
The Saleh era is off to a wild start with Brinker deciding to quit before the season begins. Tennessee is banking on progress from Ward, their new free agent additions, and the new coaching staff to turn the fortunes of the franchise around. But by the time they step on the field, the Titans should have a new president in charge.
