Tennessee brought in Dave Gardi as executive vice president of football operations, with Gardi reporting directly to general manager Mike Borgonzi under a new top-of-organization structure after Chad Brinker stepped down last month.
For the Tennessee Titans, the front office change didn’t wait for the offseason to feel real. On Wednesday, the team announced it has hired Dave Gardi as its executive vice president of football operations—an addition that immediately shifts how work flows at the top.
Gardi’s résumé is built on both league-wide and club-side experience. He spent the last two seasons as the senior vice president of football initiatives for the Washington Commanders. Before that, he spent 21 years in the NFL’s league office.
General manager Mike Borgonzi framed the hire as more than just a staff upgrade. In a statement, Borgonzi said, “We’re thrilled to have Dave join us here in Nashville. He’s extremely respected around the NFL and brings a plethora of experience and valuable perspective. molded together by two decades at the league office. in addition to time on the club side of operations. Dave will make an immediate impact here with the Titans and we’re excited to welcome him and his family to Tennessee.”.
The timing matters. Gardi’s arrival comes after Chad Brinker, president of football operations, stepped down last month. Under the new structure described in the Titans’ announcement, Gardi will report directly to Borgonzi.
That direct reporting line is the practical sign of what the organization is trying to reset. With Brinker gone, the Titans are not just adding a veteran executive—they’re reshaping the chain of command, and Gardi is stepping into a role designed to plug in immediately.
Titans Dave Gardi football operations Mike Borgonzi Chad Brinker Washington Commanders NFL league office