DENTON, Texas – Titans coach Brian Callahan is getting to know prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft during practices and meetings here at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
He's also getting to know someone else: General Manager Mike Borgonzi.
Callahan and Borgonzi have stood on the practice field together and walked side by side in the walkways of terminals, hotels, and interview rooms.
Callahan said the two have hit it off.
"Just a really good guy, really sharp, organized, detailed, disciplined with the approach," Callahan said of Borgonzi. "I've really enjoyed being around him, and I'm excited about him. I'm excited about what he believes in and how he goes about his scouting process. That part is really cool."
The Titans introduced Borgonzi, formerly of the Chiefs, at a press conference in Nashville on Wednesday. On Thursday night, they were on a Southwest Airlines flight to Dallas, and then on the practice field at the University of North Texas the following morning, watching the quarterbacks.
The two, along with President of Football Operations Chad Brinker, will spend a few days in Texas before heading to Mobile, Ala., on Monday for Senior Bowl practices. They're part of a big contingent of Titans officials – coaches and scouts – on the trip.
Callahan said he's already comfortable with Borgonzi – and the structure of the football staff with Borgonzi and Brinker leading the way.
"The structure part of it, truthfully, is the same as when I got hired," Callahan said. "It hasn't changed for me any. But I do think it's a smart structure when you look at everything that's out there in the world with pro football, you have guys that have a very clear line of communication, and you have guys that are very responsible for certain things. You don't have to do all of it by yourself. You have diversity of thought, different perspectives, you can make really good decisions that way. I like it, and I think it's going to be great."
One thing is different: Ran Carthon is no longer a part of the equation, as he was relieved of his duties after the 2024 season. A GM search ensued, which led to the hiring of Borgonzi, who spent the previous 16 seasons in Kansas City.
While Callahan said he's excited and optimistic about the state of the Titans moving forward, he admitted he'll miss Carthon, someone he'll always consider a friend.
"I love Ran," Callahan said. "Ran is an unbelievable person, and I think he is a really good evaluator. I am disappointed, obviously, that it didn't work out. Ran invested in me, and he believed in me. I still talk to him pretty regularly, conversation-wise, and I enjoyed our time together very much.
"I wish him the very best."
