The Tennessee Titans announced this week that Dave Gardi will assume the role of executive vice president of football operations, stepping into a position that had been held by Chad Brinker for more than three years.
Gardi arrives after a 21‑year tenure in the NFL’s league office and a two‑year stint with the Washington Commanders, where he gained a reputation for shaping policy and overseeing complex operational areas.
A direct line to the GM
He will report directly to general manager Mike Borgonzi, who expressed enthusiasm about integrating Gardi’s extensive expertise into the team’s decision‑making process.
Borgonzi noted the personal connection between the two men, both alumni of Brown University, as a factor that will facilitate collaboration and shared vision.
Gardi’s portfolio will encompass administration, strategy, analytics, research, information systems, video, equipment, team operations and security, a breadth of responsibility that reflects the modern demands of NFL franchises.
The move follows Brinker’s departure after a three‑plus‑year tenure as president of football operations, a period that ended when he was realigned beneath Borgonzi earlier this year.
Gardi’s career has been marked by his involvement in the NFL’s rulebook revisions and advisory work on contracts, salary‑cap mechanics and league policies, giving him a deep understanding of the competitive environment.