Robert Saleh keeps painting a target on his own back, and his Jets history explains why the Titans are buying it for now

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh is consistently accepting public responsibility for the team's difficult start to the 2026 season. Writer Easton Freeze highlights how Saleh has repeatedly absorbed blame at recent press conferences, including after a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Freeze argues that Saleh is effectively placing a target on himself while asking ownership and management for patience during the early stages of his tenure.

The writer notes that Saleh's past head-coaching stint with the New York Jets provides context for why the Titans organization is currently accepting his messaging. Freeze explains that Saleh's Jets defense improved significantly after a rough first year, giving owner Amy Adams Strunk and general manager Mike Borgonzi a reason to trust the rebuilding process alongside second-year quarterback Cam Ward.