The Tennessee Titans revealed a sweeping restructuring of their personnel department in the wake of the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling a renewed focus on building a competitive roster through enhanced scouting and analytical capabilities.
Shane Normandeau, formerly a pro scout with the Minnesota Vikings and a veteran of the Browns' football operations staff, has been brought in as director of pro scouting. His extensive experience evaluating talent at the professional level is expected to bolster the team's ability to identify impact players for the upcoming season.
Shepley Heard, who spent two decades with the Atlanta Falcons in various scouting capacities, joins the Titans as an area scout. His deep knowledge of the Southeast region and long‑standing relationships within the scouting community are seen as valuable assets as the franchise expands its geographic reach.
Internal promotions round out the reshuffle. Mike Boni ascends to director of college scouting, while Patrick Woo takes on the role of manager of college/pro scouting. Wes Slay, Alex Kline, and Geo Leins have been elevated to national scout, pro scout, and area scout respectively, reflecting the organization's confidence in their developmental trajectories.
A Strategic Refresh for the Titans' Personnel Department
The moves come as the Titans aim to modernize their approach to player evaluation, integrating advanced analytics with traditional scouting. By elevating staff who have demonstrated sustained success in player development, the front office hopes to create a more cohesive pipeline from college prospects to professional contributors.
The departures of Sarah Bailey, who led football research and development for several years, and the appointment of Kevin Perez as executive assistant to the general manager, underscore a shift toward tighter coordination between analytics and day‑to‑day operations. Bryce Wasserman’s promotion to head of football research further emphasizes the team's commitment to data‑driven decision making.
Industry observers note that the Titans' restructuring mirrors trends across the league, where clubs are increasingly investing in specialized scouting roles and research functions to gain a competitive edge. If the new structure delivers on its promise, the franchise could see a faster turnaround in talent acquisition and a stronger foundation for sustained success.