NASHVILLE – Mike Borgonzi got the job.
Now, the new General Manager of the Tennessee Titans is ready to get to work building a winner.
But first, during his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, Borgonzi took a few minutes to let fans of the team know a little bit about him, and his vision.
"So, who am I?," Borgonzi said. "What are my beliefs and visions for this organization? First off, I'm a little bit of anomaly – I'm a Northeast guy with a funny Boston accent that loves country music. I am a proud husband and father that believes in the power of love and connection. I have a passion for the game of football. I have a passion for people. I have a passion for doing things the right way through the values of character, connection, commitment and communication.
"The identity of my leadership will be connected, it will be disciplined, and it will be detailed. I believe in what I like to call an "us" culture – unity over self in everything that we do. We will put the team above individual agendas and make the best decisions for the Titans. I believe in the power of alignment, and teamwork, throughout the entire organization, where ownership, management, coaching and scouting are all rowing in the same direction. If it's not, it simply won't work.
"My vision as a team-builder is to draft and develop," Borgonzi continued. "We want to build a foundation of home-grown talent, and reward those players that meet our standards. We will be relentless in our pursuit of building competition throughout the roster, whether that is the draft, free agency, waiver claims or trades. And I think it's imperative that we build the right 53 on this roster as well, and not just collect talent. We need the right mixture of talent and character in order to build a championship-caliber team. We want a big, physical team in the trenches that is fast and violent on the football field. We want players that love the game of football, that are tough, smart and dependable, and they believe in unity. … I am excited to finally start the process of building and sustaining a championship team here."
During a 40-minute press conference on Wednesday, Borgonzi thanked a long list of individuals who have influenced him over the years, while thanking those involved in the process of hiring him.
"To the people of Tennessee," Borgonzi said. "We will do everything within our power to represent you the right way and make you proud to be a Titans fan."
Borgonzi, hired last week, arrives in Tennessee with 16 years of experience with the Kansas City Chiefs. For the last four seasons, he served as Kansas City's Assistant General Manager. Prior to his promotion to Assistant General Manager, Borgonzi served as Director of Football Operations (2018-20), Director of Player Personnel (2017), Co-Director of Player Personnel (2015-16), Assistant Director of Pro Scouting (2013-14), Pro Personnel Scout (2011-12) and Manager of Football Operations (2010). He joined the Chiefs in 2009 as the club's College Scouting Administrator.
During Borgonzi's time in Kansas City, he contributed to 12 playoff seasons and three Super Bowl championships (2019, 2022-23).
In Tennessee, he takes over a team coming off a 3-14 season, with a 9-25 mark over the past two seasons.
"There is some talent on this roster, but we're a three-win football team right now, so that's not good enough," Borgonzi said. "So, we're going to have to look everywhere to improve it, whether that's upgrading starters, upgrading depth. I'll get to sit down more here with the coaches and get a better understanding of all the players.
"There's some talent on this roster, but we're going to have to upgrade some positions, though."
Borgonzi said the team will fill some holes in free agency, but he made it clear his plan is to build the team moving forward primarily with draft picks.
He'll work alongside Chad Brinker, President of Football Operations with the Titans, and head coach Brian Callahan to do it.
"Look, I know the urgency to win in this league, no matter where you are," Borgonzi said. "We're going to be disciplined in what we do. We're not going to make rash decisions to try and try and improve the roster in ways we don't think should happen. We'll supplement in free agency, but we want to build through the draft. We need to build that core foundation of players to really change the culture, and that takes a little bit of time."
