On Thursday, the Titans formally hired Jim Haslett to serve as their inside linebackers coach. Meanwhile, their defensive coordinator vacancy will remain vacant, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears.
The Titans’ DC position opened up a few weeks back, when veteran coach Deen Pees announced his retirement. There were ample candidates available to replace the 70-year-old, but head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t see a need to fill his shoes. Presumably, Vrabel will be the one calling the plays in Tennessee, though Haslett comes with 12 years of headset experience.
After shocking the Patriots in the playoffs, the Titans will have the No. 29 overall pick in April. They could use that pick to fortify their secondary while dedicating more of their cap room to pressing needs on the other side of the ball. For starters, they’ll have to sit down with running back Derrick Henry, who is reportedly looking to top Ezekiel Elliott‘s contract. They’ll also have to hammer out a new deal with Ryan Tannehill, who is also salted for free agency in March.