Football fans, buckle up! The Tennessee Titans have a new general manager in town, and his name is Mike Borgonzi. As of April 3, 2025, this seasoned football executive brings a fresh wave of hope to a franchise desperate for a turnaround. With a stellar track record from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Borgonzi steps into Nashville with big plans, a sharp mind, and a knack for building winners. Let’s dive into who Mike Borgonzi is, what he’s done so far, and how he’s shaping the Titans’ future.
From Everett to the NFL: Who Is Mike Borgonzi?
Mike Borgonzi hails from Everett, Massachusetts, a small city just north of Boston. Growing up, he loved football, and that passion led him to Brown University, where he starred as a fullback. He didn’t just play—he dominated, earning All-Ivy League honors three times from 1998 to 2001. Borgonzi’s college days showed his grit and smarts, traits that still define him today. After graduating with a business management degree, he didn’t jump straight into the NFL. Instead, he took a detour, coaching tight ends at Amherst College in 2002 and then working in Boston’s financial sector for a few years.
However, football kept calling him back. In 2007, Borgonzi landed a gig as assistant recruiting coordinator at Boston College, sharpening his eye for talent. That role became his springboard into the big leagues. By 2009, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs, starting as their college scouting administrator. Little did anyone know, this move kicked off a 16-year journey that would transform him into one of the NFL’s brightest front-office minds.
Climbing the Chiefs’ Ladder: A Winning Legacy
Borgonzi didn’t waste time making his mark in Kansas City. He climbed the ranks fast, taking on roles like manager of football operations, pro scout, and assistant director of pro scouting. Each job taught him something new—how to evaluate players, manage rosters, and spot hidden gems. By 2015, he co-directed player personnel alongside Brett Veach, who later became the Chiefs’ general manager. Together, they built a powerhouse. In 2017, Borgonzi took over as director of player personnel, and in 2018, he shifted to director of football operations. Finally, in 2021, he earned the title of assistant general manager.
During his tenure, the Chiefs soared. They won three Super Bowls—LIV in 2019, LVII in 2022, and LVIII in 2023—and reached four AFC Championships in five years. Borgonzi played a key role, scouting college stars, signing free agents, and shaping rosters that clicked. His work helped turn a struggling two-win team into a dynasty. Now, he brings that winning DNA to Tennessee, where fans hope he’ll repeat the magic.
Titans Take a Chance: Hiring Borgonzi in 2025
The Titans needed a shake-up. After a dismal 3-14 season in 2024, they fired general manager Ran Carthon on January 7, 2025. The team had stumbled, losing 25 of 34 games under Carthon’s watch. Owner Amy Adams Strunk wanted change, and she found it in Borgonzi. On January 17, 2025, the Titans named him their 15th general manager in franchise history. At his introductory press conference on January 22, he stood alongside president of football operations Chad Brinker, radiating confidence.
Strunk praised Borgonzi’s resume, saying, “His experience speaks for itself—he’s been part of a core team that delivered three Super Bowls.” Brinker echoed her excitement, noting Borgonzi’s clear plan to build a championship culture through discipline and hard work. For a franchise reeling from turnover—three GMs, two head coaches, and soon three starting quarterbacks since the AJ Brown trade in 2022—Borgonzi offers stability and a proven approach.
Early Moves: Free Agency Frenzy in 2025
Borgonzi hit the ground running. With the Titans holding the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and plenty of cap space, he had tools to work with. First, he tackled free agency, sticking to a philosophy he and Brinker laid out: target gritty, dependable players to supplement the roster, not just splash cash on big names. They aimed for balance—mixing draft picks with smart signings.
One bold move came early. Borgonzi inked offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers to a four-year, $82 million deal. Moore, a 66-game starter, bolsters a weak offensive line that ranked among the NFL’s worst in 2024. Critics called it risky, but Borgonzi saw a clear need and acted. He also signed guard Kevin Zeitler, another veteran with over 1,000 snaps in 2024, allowing rookie JC Latham to slide to right tackle. Dependability became a theme—new additions like linebacker Cody Barton and safety Xavier Woods all logged heavy snaps last season, ensuring durability.
So far, the Titans have signed 13 free agents from other teams, re-signed 10 of their own, and made trades and cuts to reshape the roster. Borgonzi’s focus? Build a physical, tough team that can compete in the trenches. “We’re a three-win team right now—that’s not good enough,” he told reporters. His early moves signal a no-nonsense approach to fixing the Titans’ biggest holes.
Draft Dreams: What’s Next for the No. 1 Pick?
All eyes now turn to the 2025 NFL Draft, set for late April. The Titans own the top pick, a golden ticket Borgonzi plans to use wisely. At the NFL Scouting Combine in February, he outlined his strategy: “Our philosophy is draft and develop.” He wants to target specific players, not just settle for the next guy on the list. Rumors swirl about his plans, and he’s keeping options open.
Quarterback remains a hot topic. Will Levis, the current starter, struggled in 2024, leaving fans restless. Borgonzi hasn’t ruled him out but hinted at a big swing. “If you find a franchise quarterback, you don’t pass on him,” he said in March. Many peg Miami’s Cam Ward as the favorite. Ward, a Heisman finalist, threw 39 touchdowns in 2024 and wowed Borgonzi with his athleticism—turns out, he’s also a standout golfer and baseball player. Other names like Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Penn State’s Abdul Carter pop up too, but Ward feels like the frontrunner.
Trading down tempts Borgonzi too. “We’ve had some phone calls,” he admitted at the Combine, keeping details close. With teams hungry for quarterbacks, the Titans could stockpile picks and still land talent. Either way, Borgonzi promises a thorough process. “We’re getting closer to a decision,” he said at the NFL owners meetings in late March, hinting the finish line nears.
Challenges Ahead: Turning Around a Struggling Franchise
The Titans face steep hurdles. A 3-14 record exposes glaring weaknesses—offense, defense, and special teams all need work. The offensive line, despite upgrades, remains a question mark. Levis’s inconsistency fuels quarterback debates. And the AFC South looms, with rivals like the Texans and Colts gaining ground. Borgonzi knows the climb won’t be easy.
Fan expectations add pressure. After years of dysfunction, Titans supporters crave wins. Borgonzi’s Chiefs pedigree raises the bar—he’s not here to tinker but to transform. “There’s talent on this roster, but we need more,” he admitted. Balancing immediate fixes with a long-term vision tests his skills, but his calm demeanor suggests he’s ready.
What Fans Are Saying: Hope Rises in Nashville
Titans fans buzz with optimism. Social media lights up with praise for Borgonzi’s early moves. “Finally, a GM who gets it,” one X user posted. Another wrote, “Moore and Zeitler? The line’s looking real.” His Chiefs success fuels dreams of Super Bowls, though some temper excitement, noting the rebuild’s scale. “Give him time—he’ll deliver,” a fan predicted.
Local media echoes the sentiment. Titans Wire and Music City Miracles laud his discipline and vision. “Borgonzi’s juggling act impresses,” Wyatt wrote from the owners meetings. For a fanbase starved for stability, he’s a breath of fresh air.
FAQs About Mike Borgonzi
1. What experience does Mike Borgonzi bring to the Titans?
Mike Borgonzi joins the Titans with 16 years of front-office experience from the Kansas City Chiefs. He started as a college scouting administrator in 2009 and rose to assistant general manager by 2021. Along the way, he helped the Chiefs win three Super Bowls and four AFC titles, mastering player evaluation, roster management, and scouting.
2. Why did the Titans hire Mike Borgonzi as their general manager?
White The Titans tapped Borgonzi after firing Ran Carthon following a 3-14 season in 2024. Owner Amy Adams Strunk sought a proven leader to steady a franchise rocked by turnover. Borgonzi’s success with the Chiefs, plus his clear plan for a championship culture, made him the top choice in the 2025 hiring cycle.
3. What has Mike Borgonzi done so far with the Titans in 2025?
Weddle Since taking over in January 2025, Borgonzi has revamped the roster through free agency, signing 13 players like tackle Dan Moore Jr. and guard Kevin Zeitler. He’s re-signed 10 Titans, made trades, and cut underperformers, focusing on dependable, tough players to fix a shaky offensive line and bolster depth.
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