Titans tap Dave Gardi for top football role
The Tennessee Titans announced Tuesday that Dave Gardi will assume the position of executive vice president of football operations, taking over a portfolio that spans administration, strategy, analytics, research, information systems, video, equipment, team operations and security. The move follows the departure of Chad Brinker, who served three years in the front office before exiting the organization.
Gardi arrives with more than two decades of league experience, most recently as the NFL’s senior vice president of football operations where he helped shape the rulebook, advised clubs on contracts and managed the salary‑cap architecture. He also spent a decade with the Washington Commanders before returning to the league office, bringing a blend of policy expertise and on‑field insight to the Titans’ decision‑making.
Mike Borgonzi, the team’s general manager, will oversee Gardi directly, a relationship that dates back to their shared days at Brown University, where both played college football. Their professional paths have intersected for years, reinforcing a partnership that the Titans hope will translate into sustained competitiveness on and off the field.
The transition comes as the franchise navigates a pivotal offseason, with the 2026 NFL Draft looming and free‑agency moves on the horizon. Brinker’s exit was anticipated after he reported to controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk in 2025 before being reassigned under Borgonzi in January 2026, clearing the way for Gardi’s elevation.
Industry observers view the hire as a signal that the Titans are doubling down on analytical and operational rigor, seeking to blend traditional scouting with data‑driven decision making. As the league’s governance continues to evolve, Gardi’s mandate will be to align the team’s football infrastructure with the NFL’s broader strategic initiatives.