Titans name Haslett as inside linebackers coach

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – – The Tennessee Titans announced they hired veteran NFL coach Jim Haslett to coach their inside linebackers on Thursday. Haslett brings 24 years of NFL coaching experience to the Titans. He most recently served as the inside linebackers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2016 – 2018. Haslett also spent 12 seasons as an NFL coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, and Washington Redskins. He also played in the NFL for nine years.

“Adding quality coaches to our staff has always been my priority with the ability to teach, develop and inspire,” said Mike Vrabel, Titans head coach via the Titans press release. “I have known Jim (Haslett) since my rookie season at Pittsburgh and was impressed with how he taught and developed the players on our defense. Over his career, he has experience and success as a head coach, defensive coordinator and linebacker coach.”

The Titans have yet to name a replacement defensive coordinator for the now retired Dean Pees. Having Haslett as a veteran coach on the defensive staff is a key asset to Vrabel since he will be calling the plays for the defense.

Haslett replaces former inside linebackers coach Tyrone McKenzie who is now in the same role for the Detroit Lions after the two parties mutually decided to part ways last month.

Vrabel’s staff also loss defensive backs coach Kerry Coombs when he took over as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State. The Titans hired former Houston Texans defensive backs coach Anthony Midget to replace Coombs.

Added Vrabel, “Anthony (Midget) was a coach I worked alongside at the Texans. He brings great experience in our defensive system along with great energy and passion for his players. We are excited to enhance our defensive staff and be better teachers and developers of our players.”

Three other coaches that are returning for another season with the Titans have gotten new titles. Ryan Crow (assistant special teams), Matt Edwards (defensive assistant), and Scott Booker (safeties).