Titans 0-5: CEO Apologizes, Still Backs Saleh

The Tennessee Titans are 0-5 to start the 2026 season, marking their worst start since 2017, and their CEO, Burke Nihill, has publicly apologized to fans ^[1]. Nihill, speaking to ESPN, admitted the franchise has let fans down, saying, "There’s nobody in this building that doesn’t feel … a sense of grief about it" ^[2]. Despite the winless record and a league-low 11.6 points per game, Nihill insists the organization remains fully behind head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Mike Borgonzi.

Saleh, who led the Jets from 2021 to 2024 and spent last season as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, said the team is facing "a lot of adversity" but believes it will lead to growth ^[1]. He vowed that "the sun is going to shine on this organization eventually," a claim that has not been confirmed ^[2]. The Titans have generated only two turnovers this season and rank last in offensive yards (246.4 per game).

The team has lost 33 of its past 39 games and is on a seven-game losing streak dating back to last season’s final week ^[2]. This marks the third straight year the Titans have fired a head coach or GM, and recent departures include senior leadership roles in marketing, revenue, and creative. Nihill defended the organization’s stability, stating it’s possible to be "agile while still being stable as a business".

Quarterback Cam Ward, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, said he’s not a loser, despite the record, and emphasized the team’s belief in its collective track record of success ^[1]. The Titans face the Colts this Sunday in a must-win game to avoid going 0-6.

Tennessee hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021 and has posted just six wins since 2023 ^[2]. The franchise’s struggles have fueled fan frustration, especially after high hopes for a rebuild tied to the upcoming Nissan Stadium season.