Chad Brinker, who held the role of president of football operations with the Tennessee Titans, announced in a statement that he is stepping down.
"It has been an honor to serve as President of Football Operations of the Tennessee Titans," Brinker said in a statement shared by the Titans. "Over the years, I've understood and embraced my role as the leader of the football strategy, but as I've spent less time in personnel, I have a renewed conviction that it is time to return to what I love and move towards my next chapter. I'm grateful for Amy's understanding in my decision, and for allowing me to pursue other opportunities.
"I'm proud of the work we've done over the past three years - under challenging circumstances - to begin the process of getting the Titans football organization back on track, not the least of which was last year's general manager search. I believe the Titans have exceptional people and long-term stability at the general manager position and throughout the scouting department. While there is work to be done, I believe we've laid the foundation to restore the Titans to its rightful place as a sustainable, winning program.
"My family and I will always be grateful for Amy's belief and trust in me, and for our time in Tennessee."
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)
WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)
1 / 42026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, tradesOT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs)
RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions)
WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears)
Brinker joined the Titans organization as the assistant general manager in 2023 and later helped lead the search that resulted in the hire of Mike Borgonzi as general manager.
The Titans redefined the roles for Brinker and Borgonzi this offseason. Team owner Amy Adams Strunk announced in a statement on Jan. 2 that Borgonzi would oversee the coaching staff and have final say over the 53-man roster – something Brinker previously had control over.
“A few weeks ago, Chad and Mike approached me to discuss their evaluation of this past season,” Strunk said in the Jan. 2 statement. “Over the past few years, several job descriptions in our football organization were established to address specific situations and challenges that existed at the time. After working together for the past year, they believe – and I agree – there is long-term benefit to clarifying and honing the focus areas of our football leadership.”
The news of Brinker's departure comes just days after the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chad Brinker, Titans president of football operations, steps down