Titans finalize coaching staff with Jim Haslett, will operate without true defensive coordinator

The Tennessee Titans have finalized their coaching staff for the 2020 season, filling the final remaining spot open this afternoon. Mike Vrabel has opted to go with veteran defensive coach Jim Haslett as his inside linebackers coach, replacing Tyrone McKenzie, who left for Detroit.

The team officially announced the move here.

The big note here is that the staff has been finalized, meaning the Titans will operate without a true defensive coordinator following the retirement of Dean Pees. Obviously, Mike Vrabel will be heavily involved here, and Haslett’s experience will be a big asset for him.

“Whoever calls the defense, we are going to do pretty much what we have done,” Vrabel told TitansOnline last week. “We are going to continue to add and enhance things, but to me that is not a big deal. I want guys that are loyal, that are great teachers and good developers.”

Haslett, a 24 year NFL coaching veteran, moves over from Cincinnati, where he spent the last three years as linebackers coach. He has 12 years worth of defensive coordinator experience, along with five seasons of head coaching experience.

In other defensive moves, Vrabel hired Anthony Midget last week to replace Kerry Coombs, who returned to Ohio State as defensive coordinator. The team also announced today new titles for a few returning coaches. Ryan Crow becomes a special teams assistant, Matt Edwards is now a defensive assistant, while Scott Booker takes on the title of safeties coach.

So the news here really is that Vrabel will now operate without a defensive coordinator as a third year head coach. Is he biting off more than he can chew here without Pees around?