Tennessee Titans#Titans Ring of Honor

{{short description|National Football League franchise in Nashville, Tennessee}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}

{{Infobox NFL team

| name = Tennessee Titans

| current = 2025 Tennessee Titans season

| wordmark = Tennessee Titans wordmark, 2018.svg

| logo = Tennessee Titans logo.svg

| founded = {{Start date and age|August 14, 1959}}{{cite web|title=Tennessee Titans Team Facts|url=https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/tennessee-titans/team-facts/|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808064306/https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/tennessee-titans/team-facts/|url-status=live}}

| first_season = 1960

| stadium = Nissan Stadium
Nashville, Tennessee

| headquartered = Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Nashville, Tennessee{{cite web|title=Contact Us|url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/about-us/|website=TennesseeTitans.com|access-date=July 31, 2023}}

| uniform = Tennessee Titans Uniforms 2025.png

| colors = Titans blue, navy, red, silver, white{{cite news|last=Wyatt|first=Jim|title=The Story Behind Titans New Uniforms, and Helmet|url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/the-story-behind-titans-new-uniforms-and-helmet-20512660|website=TennesseeTitans.com|date=April 4, 2018|access-date=April 5, 2018|quote=The color palette navy, Titan blue, red, silver and white remains unchanged.|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429204736/https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/the-story-behind-titans-new-uniforms-and-helmet-20512660|url-status=live}}{{cite book|chapter=Titans Fingertip Information|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2023/TEN.pdf#page=2|publisher=NFL Enterprises|title=2023 Tennessee Titans Media Guide|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2023/TEN.pdf|date=July 27, 2023|access-date=July 8, 2024}}{{cite book|chapter=Tennessee Titans Team Capsule|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf#page=133|publisher=NFL Enterprises|title=2022 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf|date=July 20, 2022|access-date=July 8, 2024}}
{{color box|#4B92DB}} {{color box|#002244}} {{color box|#C60C30}} {{color box|#A5ACAF}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}

| coach = Brian Callahan

| owner = Amy Adams Strunk{{cite web|title=Titans Front Office|url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/team/front-office-roster/|website=TennesseeTitans.com|access-date=September 15, 2020|archive-date=September 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916184348/https://www.tennesseetitans.com/team/front-office-roster/|url-status=live}}

| chairman = Susie Adams Smith
Amy Adams Strunk

| ceo = Burke Nihill

| president = Burke Nihill

| general manager = Mike Borgonzi

| mascot = T-Rac

| website = {{URL|tennesseetitans.com}}

| hist_yr = 1999

| hist_misc =

| affiliate_old =

American Football League

| NFL_start_yr = 1970

| division_hist =

| no_sb_champs = 0

| no_league_champs = 2

| no_conf_champs = 1

| no_div_champs = 11

| league_champs =

| conf_champs =

| div_champs =

| playoff_appearances =

| no_playoff_appearances = 25

| stadium_years =

| team_owners =

}}

{{NFL-Titans history}}

The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The Tennessee Titans play their home games at Nissan Stadium; the team will move to a new stadium which will be completed in 2027.

Originally known as the Houston Oilers, the team was founded in 1959 by Houston oil tycoon Bud Adams, who remained the owner until his death in 2013. The team began play in 1960 in Houston, Texas, as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). The Houston Oilers won the first two AFL championships along with four division titles, and joined the NFL as part of the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. The Houston Oilers made playoff appearances from 1978 to 1980 and from 1987 to 1993, with Hall of Famers Earl Campbell and Warren Moon, respectively.

In 1997, the Houston Oilers relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, playing at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, for one season while waiting for a new stadium to be constructed. The team moved to Nashville's Vanderbilt Stadium in 1998. For those two seasons, the team was known as the Tennessee Oilers, but changed its name to the Tennessee Titans for the 1999 season, when they moved into Adelphia Coliseum, now known as Nissan Stadium. The Tennessee Titans' training facility is in Saint Thomas Sports Park, a 31-acre site at the MetroCenter complex in Nashville.{{cite news|title=Titans Practice Facility Renamed "Saint Thomas Sports Park"|url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-practice-facility-renamed-saint-thomas-sports-park-10455494|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=TitansOnline.com|date=July 11, 2013|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630212206/https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-practice-facility-renamed-saint-thomas-sports-park-10455494|archive-date=June 30, 2019|url-status=live}}

The Tennessee Titans played in Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, losing 23–16 to the St. Louis Rams. Led by Steve McNair and Eddie George, the Tennessee Titans made the playoffs in all but one season from 1999 to 2003, but only twice in the next 13 years. From 2016 to 2021, the Tennessee Titans had six consecutive winning seasons and four playoff appearances. The Tennessee Titans are the only NFL team to have two players rush for 2,000 yards in a season, Chris Johnson (2009) and Derrick Henry (2020).

History

{{Main|Houston Oilers|History of the Tennessee Titans}}

=Houston Oilers=

After failed attempts to start an NFL expansion team in Houston, Adams founded the Houston Oilers in 1959, as one of the eight charter members of the upstart American Football League (AFL) and a member of its Eastern Division.{{cite web | last=Wyatt | first=Jim | title=Titans owner, AFL founder Bud Adams dies at age 90 | website=USA TODAY | date=2013-10-21 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2013/10/21/bud-adams-obituary-nashville-afl-houston-oilers/3143945/ | access-date=2024-08-05}} Beginning play at Jeppesen Stadium at the University of Houston, the team moved to Rice Stadium at Rice University in 1965.{{Cite web |title=Jeppesen Stadium History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/stadiums/HOU97.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{cite web | last=Shrake | first=Edwin | title=HOUSTON OILERS | website=Sports Illustrated Vault | date=1965-09-13 | url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1965/09/13/houston-oilers | access-date=2024-08-05}} Led by quarterback George Blanda, who played with the team from 1960 to 1966, the Houston Oilers made it to each of the first three AFL championship games.{{Cite web |title=George Blanda Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlanGe00.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Oilers won the first two AFL championships, both against the San Diego Chargers, but lost the 1962 American Football League Championship Game 20–17 to the Dallas Texans, now Kansas City Chiefs, after double overtime.{{Cite web |title=Championship - Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Oilers - January 1st, 1961 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196101010oti.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Championship - Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers - December 24th, 1961 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196112240sdg.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Championship - Dallas Texans at Houston Oilers - December 23rd, 1962 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196212230oti.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Houston Oilers failed to post a winning season in the next six seasons, but in 1967, a 9–4–1 record returned the team to the AFL championship game where it lost 40–7 to the Oakland Raiders.{{Cite web |title=Championship - Houston Oilers at Oakland Raiders - December 31st, 1967 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196712310rai.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Houston Oilers moved into the Astrodome after the season, becoming the first professional football team to move into a domed stadium. After failing to qualify for the AFL playoffs in 1968, the Oilers qualified the following season in 1969, but were eliminated in the divisional round by the Oakland Raiders in a 56–7 blowout.{{cite web | title=Raiders Top Oilers in 1969 AFL Playoff | website=Raiders.com| date=2013-12-21 | url=https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-top-oilers-in-1969-afl-playoff-988018 | access-date=2024-07-30}}{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/index.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Following the season, the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970, with the Houston Oilers being assigned to the new American Football Conference (AFC)'s Central division.{{cite web | title=NFL and AFL announce merger | website=HISTORY | date=2009-11-16 | url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nfl-and-afl-announce-merger | access-date=2024-08-05}} The Houston Oilers failed to qualify for the NFL playoffs from 1970 to 1977, and posted one winning season in 1975. In 1978, the Houston Oilers selected running back Earl Campbell with the first overall pick in the 1978 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=1978 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1978/draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Campbell led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances as a wildcard berth from 1978 to 1980. Campbell led the NFL in rushing yards and won the Offensive Player of the Year Award in each of those three seasons.{{Cite web |title=Earl Campbell Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CampEa00.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Oilers made it to the AFC championships in 1978 and 1979, but were defeated both times by the Pittsburgh Steelers.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 7th, 1979 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197901070pit.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 6th, 1980 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198001060pit.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

The Houston Oilers failed to post a winning record between 1981 and 1987, a drought that ended when the Houston Oilers acquired quarterback Warren Moon in 1987.{{cite web | title=Houston Oilers football Standings| website= Stats Crew | url=https://www.statscrew.com/football/standings/t-HOO | access-date=2024-08-29}}{{Cite web |title=Warren Moon Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoonWa00.htm |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} With Moon and Hall of Fame offensive linemen Mike Munchak and Bruce Matthews, the Houston Oilers made six consecutive playoff appearances from 1987 to 1993.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans Playoff History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/playoffs.htm |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During the 1992–93 NFL playoffs, the Houston Oilers earned the dubious distinction of being on the losing end of what was then the biggest comeback in NFL history when in the divisional round, the Houston Oilers' third-quarter 32-point lead against the Buffalo Bills turned into a 41–38 loss in overtime. This remains the largest blown lead in playoff history.{{cite web | last=Seminara | first=Dave | title=Was Bills-Oilers Game in 1993 Greatest Rally, or Biggest Fade? | website=The New York Times | date=2013-01-02 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/sports/football/bills-oilers-game-in-1993-is-greatest-comeback-that-ever-was-and-was-not.html | access-date=2024-08-05}} After the 1993 season, Moon was traded to the Minnesota Vikings and Munchak retired to begin a coaching career.{{Cite web |title=1994 Minnesota Vikings Trades |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/1994_trades.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The following season, the Oilers finished with a league-worst 2–14 season, and Jack Pardee was fired as head coach after a 1–9 start and was succeeded by Jeff Fisher.{{Cite web |title=1994 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1994/index.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{cite web | title=Oilers fire head coach Pardee | website=UPI | date=1994-11-15 | url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/11/15/Oilers-fire-head-coach-Pardee/3832784875600/ | access-date=2024-08-05}} The following two seasons, the Oilers drafted quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George respectively, who became franchise players over the next several years. The Oilers respectively went 7–9 and 8–8 in their final two seasons in Houston.{{Cite web |title=1995 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1995.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=1996 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1996.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Tennessee Oilers=

After the 1995 season, Bud Adams announced the move to Tennessee.{{cite web | title=Bud Adams' tenure left many memories in Nashville with Tennessee Titans | website=WBIR.com | date=2013-10-21 | url=https://www.wbir.com/article/sports/nfl/titans/bud-adams-tenure-left-many-memories-in-nashville-with-tennessee-titans/51-95511675 | access-date=2024-08-05}} A Nashville stadium for the Tennessee Oilers would not be ready until 1999, so the Tennessee Oilers planned to play two seasons at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.{{cite web | last=Glennon | first=John | title=Titans' 20 seasons sprang from rocky start in Memphis | website=The Tennessean | date=2016-08-02 | url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2016/08/02/titans-20-seasons-sprang-rocky-start-memphis/87707784/ | access-date=2024-08-29}} The team was based in Nashville and commuted to Memphis, Tennessee for games.

In Memphis, Tennessee had some of the smallest NFL crowds since the 1950s attended games. In the first seven games of the season, there were crowds of less than 27,000, and two games drew less than 18,000 people.

For the 1998 season, the Tennessee Oilers played their home games at the stadium on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. That year, the team was in playoff contention until losing their last two games for another 8–8 record. The Tennessee Oilers were 6–2 in Nashville and 2–6 on the road.{{Cite web |title=1998 Tennessee Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1998.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Tennessee Titans=

During the 1998 offseason, Adams appointed an advisory committee to decide on a new name for the Tennessee Oilers to coincide with the opening of their new stadium, which was renamed Nissan Stadium in 2015.{{cite web | last=Wyatt | first=Jim | title=Titans' stadium LP Field to be renamed Nissan Stadium | website=The Tennessean | date=2015-06-24 | url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2015/06/24/tennessee-titans-nissan-lp-field/29229831/ | access-date=2024-08-05}} On November 14, 1998, the new name of Tennessee Titans was unveiled. The name is a nod to how Nashville is nicknamed the "Athens of the South" for its classical architecture and large number of higher learning institutions.

The 1999 season marked a remarkable beginning for the Titans, as they made a dramatic run to Super Bowl XXXIV. Led by head coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Steve McNair, the team finished the regular season with a 13–3 record.{{Cite web |title=1999 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1999.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Their playoff journey included the famous "Music City Miracle" victory over the Buffalo Bills, where a last-second lateral play resulted in a kickoff return touchdown.{{cite web | last1=Bacharach | first1=Erik | last2=Maiorana | first2=Sal | title=Music City Miracle oral history: Tennessee Titans most memorable NFL play | website=The Tennessean | date=2020-01-08 | url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2020/01/08/music-city-miracle-oral-history-titans-bills-anniversary/2798498001/ | access-date=2024-07-30}} The Titans reached the Super Bowl but narrowly lost to the St. Louis Rams, falling one yard short of a potential game-tying touchdown.{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Mike |date=2000-01-31 |title=SUPERBOWL XXXIV; Rams Win Super Bowl Thriller, as Titans Fall a Yard Short |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/31/sports/superbowl-xxxiv-rams-win-super-bowl-thriller-as-titans-fall-a-yard-short.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}

In the years following their Super Bowl appearance, the Tennessee Titans experienced mixed success. They reached the playoffs several times in the early 2000s, with standout performances from players like running back Eddie George and defensive end Jevon Kearse. However, the team struggled with consistency and faced multiple rebuilding phases. Following the departures of George and McNair in 2003 and 2005, respectively, the Titans drafted quarterback Vince Young in 2006, who led the team to a playoff berth in 2007.{{cite web | title=Vince Young selected third overall by Titans in 2006 NFL Draft | website=University of Texas Athletics | date=2006-04-29 | url=https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2006/4/29/042906aaf_572.aspx | access-date=2024-07-30}} Despite being named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and being a two-time Pro Bowl selection, Young's tenure was marred by injuries, inconsistency and clashes with Jeff Fisher. In 2008, Young was benched in favor of veteran Kerry Collins, who led the Titans to a league best 13–3 record and a playoff appearance before being defeated in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans - January 10th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200901100oti.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In 2009, following a 0–6 start under Collins, Young returned as starting quarterback and led the Titans to winning eight of their final ten games and narrowly missing the playoffs. The 2009 season was also notable as it was the season in which second-year running back Chris Johnson became the sixth player to run for more than 2,000 yards in a season and broke Marshall Faulk's record for most single season yards from scrimmage.{{Cite web |date=2010-01-03 |title=Johnson sixth to rush for 2,000 yards |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4793132 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}{{cite web | last=Hudson | first=Ryan | title=Chris Johnson Becomes Sixth Player To Rush For 2,000 Yards | website=SBNation.com | date=2010-01-03 | url=https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/3/1232280/chris-johnson-video-2000-yards-scrimmage-record | access-date=2024-07-30}} Johnson made three Pro Bowl appearances with the Titans before departing after the 2013 season.{{Cite web |title=Chris Johnson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnCh04.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Following the 2010 season, Young, Collins and Fisher all departed, and quarterback Jake Locker was drafted in 2011.{{cite web | last=Bell | first=Gregg | title=He's Now 'Nashville Jake': Locker Drafted 8th Overall By The Titans

| website=Washington Huskies | date=2011-04-28 | url=https://gohuskies.com/sports/2011/4/28/208026205 | access-date=2024-07-30}} After spending his rookie season as a backup, Locker's career as a starter beginning in 2012 was marked by inconsistent play and numerous injuries, which led to his retirement shortly after departing from the team after the 2014 season after a four-year career.{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Jake Locker announces retirement from NFL | website=NFL.com | date=2015-03-10 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jake-locker-announces-retirement-from-nfl-0ap3000000477807 | access-date=2024-07-30}}

After posting a league-worst 2–14 record during the 2014 season, their worst since moving to Tennessee, the Titans drafted quarterback Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL Draft with the second overall pick, who became the Titans' franchise quarterback for the next four seasons.{{cite web | last=Kuharsky | first=Paul | title=Titans pick Marcus Mariota at No. 2, plan to make QB Day 1 starter | website=ESPN.com | date=2015-05-01 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2015/story/_/id/12795757/tennessee-titans-select-marcus-mariota-no-2-overall-pick | access-date=2024-07-30}} Although the Titans finished with another league worst record of 3–13 during the 2015 season, Mariota along with multi-Pro Bowl teammates such as tight end Delanie Walker, offensive tackle Taylor Lewan and defensive tackle/defensive end Jurrell Casey, led the Titans to three consecutive winning records of 9–7 from 2016 to 2018. During the 2017 season, the Titans returned to the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 and won their first playoff game since 2003, overcoming a 21–3 halftime deficit against the Kansas City Chiefs to win 22–21 before being eliminated in the divisional round.{{cite web | last=Skretta | first=Dave | title=Titans rally from 21-3 hole, beat Chiefs 22-21 in playoffs | website=AP News | date=2018-01-07 | url=https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-49ers-tennessee-titans-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl-sports-1019ab6588a143d285edbf50d61c0763 | access-date=2024-07-30}} The Titans saw their season end in the Divisional Round with a 35–14 loss to the New England Patriots.{{cite web | last=Hightower | first=Kyle | title=Patriots back in AFC title game, Titans trip into offseason | website=AP News | date=2018-01-14 | url=https://apnews.com/patriots-back-in-afc-title-game-titans-trip-into-offseason-d997dd31ba9449bda2cf5c6a6fd2d0f6 | access-date=2024-07-30}} Despite their postseason success in the 2017 season, the Titans moved on from head coach Mike Mularkey.{{cite web | last=Walker | first=Teresa M. | title=Titans fire coach Mike Mularkey after playoff win | website=AP News | date=2018-01-16 | url=https://apnews.com/titans-fire-coach-mike-mularkey-after-playoff-win-6014e860d5ad458899ab98b55d875815 | access-date=2024-07-30}}

The Tennessee Titans entered a new era in the late 2010s with the hiring of head coach Mike Vrabel in 2018.{{cite web | last=Wolfe | first=Cameron | title=Mike Vrabel agrees to become new head coach of Titans | website=ESPN.com | date=2018-01-20 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22162638/mike-vrabel-hired-tennessee-titans-new-head-coach | access-date=2024-07-30}} Prominent players drafted during the 2019 season included defensive end Jeffery Simmons and wide receiver A. J. Brown, both of whom would later have prolific careers with the team. Under Vrabel's leadership, during the 2019 season, Mariota was benched in favor of offseason trade acquisition Ryan Tannehill after a 2–4 start and with the emergence running back Derrick Henry, who led the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, the team returned to prominence. The Titans reached the AFC Championship Game during the 2019 season.{{cite web | title=Chiefs shut down Henry, Titans game plan in AFC title game | website=AP News | date=2020-01-20 | url=https://apnews.com/article/6dc66c81f740e1534e351b8250791c2f | access-date=2024-07-30}} Mariota, Walker and Casey all departed after the 2019 season.

Derrick Henry won the Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2020 after rushing for 2,000 yards.{{cite magazine | last=Walsh | first=Christopher | title=The Extra Point: Derrick Henry's 2020 Season More Than Worthy of a King | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2021-05-20 | url=https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/the-extra-point-derrick-henry-2020-season-worthy-of-a-king | access-date=2024-07-30}} Henry was part of a 2020 campaign that saw the Titans win the AFC South with an 11–5 record.{{Cite web |title=2020 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Titans' season ended with a 20–13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.{{cite web | last=Shook | first=Nick | title=Ravens edge Titans to secure Lamar Jackson's first-career playoff win | website=NFL.com | date=2021-01-10 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-edge-titans-20-13-to-secure-lamar-jackson-s-first-playoff-win | access-date=2024-07-30}}

In the 2021 season, the Titans finished with a 12–5 record, won the AFC South, and got a first round bye.{{Cite web |title=2021 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/2021.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Titans' season ended with a Divisional Round 19–16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.{{cite web | last=Goldsmith | first=Charlie | title=AFC Championship: Cincinnati Bengals beat Titans 19-16 | website=Cincinnati Enquirer | date=2022-01-22 | url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2022/01/22/nfl-playoffs-cincinnati-bengals-titans-afc-divisional-round-football-championship/6611570001/ | access-date=2024-07-30}} The Titans traded away Brown after the season. In 2022, the Titans suffered their first losing season since 2015 with a 7–10 mark, losing each of their last seven games despite a 7–3 start.{{Cite web |title=2022 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/2022.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2023 season, the Titans finished with a 6–11 record.{{Cite web |title=2023 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/2023.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Following the 2023 season, Vrabel was fired as head coach.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-09 |title=Titans fire coach Mike Vrabel after six seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39272784/sources-titans-fire-coach-mike-vrabel-6-seasons |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan was hired to be the team's head coach prior to the 2024 season.{{cite web | last=Walker | first=Teresa M. | title=Titans hire Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their head coach | website=AP News | date=2024-01-24 | url=https://apnews.com/article/titans-brian-callahan-coach-5debfdb1aead4a1eb1502e84a5cff340 | access-date=2024-07-30}} Prominent departures that occurred during or after the 2023 season included Henry, Tannehill and two-time First-Team All-Pro safety Kevin Byard.

Logos and uniforms

File:AFCS-Uniform-TEN.PNG to 2017.]]

When the team debuted as the Houston Oilers in 1960, its logo was an oil rig derrick. Except for minor color changes throughout the years, this logo remained the same until the team was renamed the Titans in 1999. The logo was originally called "Ol' Riggy", but this name was dropped before the 1974 season.

The Oilers' uniforms consisted of blue or white jerseys, red trim, and white pants. From 1966 to 1971, the pants with both the blue and white jerseys were silver to match the color of the helmets. The team commonly wore light blue pants on the road with the white jerseys from 1972 to 1994, with the exception of the 1980 season, and selected games in the mid-1980s, when the team wore an all-white road combination. For selected games in 1973 and 1974, and again from 1981 through 1984, the Oilers wore their white jerseys at home. Coach Jeff Fisher discarded the light blue pants in 1995. From 1960 to about 1965 and from 1972 to 1974, the Oilers wore blue helmets; the helmets were silver from 1966 to 1971 and white from 1975 to 1998.

From 1997 to 1998, when it was known as the Tennessee Oilers, the team had an alternate logo that combined elements of the flag of Tennessee with the derrick. The team also wore its white uniforms during home games. In its two years as the Tennessee Oilers, the team wore its colored jerseys for road games against the Miami Dolphins and a Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys. It wore all white exclusively in its last year as the Tennessee Oilers.

When the team was renamed the Titans in 1999, it introduced a new logo that was a circle with three stars representing the state's Grand Divisions, containing a large "T" with a trail of flames similar to a comet. The uniforms consisted of white helmets, red trim, and either navy or white jerseys. White pants were worn with the navy jerseys, and navy pants with the white jerseys. On both the navy and white jerseys, the outside shoulders and sleeves were light Titans blue. In a game against the Washington Redskins on October 15, 2006, the Titans wore their navy jerseys with navy pants for the first time. Since 2000, the Titans have worn their dark uniforms at home. They have worn white at home during daytime contests in September home games to gain an advantage with the heat, except in the 2005, 2006 and 2008 seasons.

In 2003, the Titans introduced an alternate jersey that was light Titans blue with navy outside shoulders and sleeves, which was worn with blue pants. Until 2007, they wore the jersey twice in each regular-season game. They always wore the Titans blue jersey in their annual divisional game against the Houston Texans and for other selected home games. Their selection in those games was representative of the organization's ties to Houston and the AFL. On November 19, 2006, the Titans introduced light Titans blue pants in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In December 2006, they combined the Titans blue pants with the Titans blue jersey to create an all Titans blue uniform. Vince Young appeared in this uniform in the cover art for Madden NFL 08.

During the 2006 season, the Titans wore seven different uniform combinations, pairing the white jersey with all three sets of pants (white, Titans blue, navy blue), the navy jersey with the white and navy pants, and the Titans blue jersey with navy and Titans blue pants. In a game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 7, 2007, the Titans paired the navy blue jersey with the Titans blue pants for the first time. They wore the navy blue jerseys with the light blue pants against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team paired the Titans blue jerseys with the white pants for the first time in a home game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 14, 2013. In 2008, the Titans blue jerseys became the regular home uniforms, with the navy blue jerseys being relegated to alternate status but not worn until 2013.{{cite web|last=Samuel|first=Michael|title=Titans Decide To Change Their Home Uniform|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/35313-titans-decide-to-change-their-home-uniform|website=Bleacher Report|date=July 6, 2008|access-date=December 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722195036/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/35313-titans-decide-to-change-their-home-uniform|archive-date=July 22, 2010|url-status=live}}

In 2009, the Titans and the Buffalo Bills began the 2009 NFL preseason in the Hall of Fame Game. Played at Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium on August 9, 2009, the game was nationally televised on NBC. The Titans defeated the Bills, 21–18.{{cite press release|title=Bills vs. Titans in 2009 Hall of Fame Game|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/news/bills-vs-titans-in-2009-hall-of-fame-game/|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|date=January 31, 2009|access-date=December 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101160931/http://www.profootballhof.com/news/bills-vs-titans-in-2009-hall-of-fame-game/|archive-date=January 1, 2016|url-status=live}} In honor of the AFL's 50th anniversary, the Titans wore Oilers' uniforms for the game.{{cite web | title=Titans/Oilers franchise, AFL celebrates 50th anniversary in 2009 | website=TennesseeTitans.com | date=2009-02-17 | url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-oilers-franchise-afl-celebrates-50th-anniversary-in-2009-394665 | access-date=2024-08-29}} In 2009, the team honored former quarterback Steve McNair by placing a small, navy blue disc on the back of their helmets with McNair's white number nine inside of it.{{cite magazine | title=Titans to wear No. 9 decal in honor of slain QB McNair | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2009-08-06 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2009/08/06/titans-mcnair | access-date=2024-08-29}}

In 2013, the team wore the navy blue jerseys twice in honor of their 15th anniversary as the Titans.{{cite news |author=Wyatt, Jim |title=Titans to bring back navy blue |url=http://blogs.tennessean.com/titans/2013/07/27/titans-to-bring-back-the-navy-blue-in-2013/ |newspaper=The Tennessean |date=July 27, 2013 |access-date=July 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812151800/http://blogs.tennessean.com/titans/2013/07/27/titans-to-bring-back-the-navy-blue-in-2013/ |archive-date=August 12, 2013 |url-status=live }} The Titans wore white jerseys for all games in 2014, for the exceptions of two preseason home games, in which the team wore their light Titans blue jerseys, and a game against the Houston Texans on October 26, 2014, in which the Titans wore their navy blue uniforms.{{cite web |author=Kuharsky, Paul |title=RTC: It's white the rest of the way for Titans |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/10844/rtc-its-white-the-rest-of-the-way-for-titans?ex_cid=espnapi_public |publisher=ESPN |date=November 21, 2014 |access-date=November 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129065953/http://espn.go.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/10844/rtc-its-white-the-rest-of-the-way-for-titans?ex_cid=espnapi_public |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}

Beginning in 2015, navy blue became the team's primary home jersey color again, marking the first time since 2007 that the Titans wore navy as their primary home jersey. The light Titans blue jersey, which was the team's primary jersey color from 2008 to 2014, became the team's alternate jersey for a second time.{{cite news|last=Wyatt|first=Jim|title=Titans will stick with white jerseys|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2014/11/20/titans-white-nfl-tennessee/70021822/|newspaper=The Tennessean|date=November 20, 2014|access-date=November 21, 2014|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429204812/https://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2014/11/20/titans-white-nfl-tennessee/70021822/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Wyatt|first=Jim|title=Ask Jim: Questions on O-Line, Mettenberger and More|url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/ask-jim-questions-on-o-line-mettenberger-and-more-15739097|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=TitansOnline.com|date=August 25, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630212206/https://www.titansonline.com/news/ask-jim-questions-on-o-line-mettenberger-and-more-15739097|archive-date=June 30, 2019|url-status=live}}

On April 4, 2018, the Titans debuted new uniforms that retain the color palette of navy blue, Titans blue and white, with new red and silver elements being introduced. The new helmets are navy blue with one silver sword-shaped stripe through the center and metallic gray face masks.{{cite news|last=Hagemann|first=Andie|title=Titans unveil new uniforms ahead of 2018 season|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-unveil-new-uniforms-ahead-of-2018-season-0ap3000000925055|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=National Football League|date=April 4, 2018|access-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710041215/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000925055/article/titans-unveil-new-uniforms-ahead-of-2018-season|archive-date=July 10, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Wolfe|first=Cameron|title=Titans' 20th season in Tennessee features new-look uniforms, helmets|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23033027/tennessee-titans-including-marcus-mariota-unveil-team-new-uniforms-broadway-nashville|website=ESPN|date=April 5, 2018|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405040818/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23033027/tennessee-titans-including-marcus-mariota-unveil-team-new-uniforms-broadway-nashville|archive-date=April 5, 2018|url-status=live}}

On July 23, 2023, the Titans unveiled the throwback powder blue Oilers uniforms.{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Tennessee Titans unveil 'Oilers' throwback uniforms|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tennessee-titans-unveil-oilers-throwback-uniforms|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=National Football League|date=July 23, 2023|access-date=July 24, 2023}}

On March 27, 2025, the light Titans blue jersey was reinstated as the team's primary home jersey, while wearing the navy blue jerseys only when the opposing home team wears white jerseys. In addition, the Oilers throwback uniform was not worn this season.{{cite news|last=Wyatt|first=Jim|title=Titans Switching to "Titans Blue" as Primary Home Jersey Color in 2025|url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-switching-to-titans-blue-as-primary-home-jersey-color-in-2025|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=TennesseeTitans.com|date=March 27, 2025|access-date=March 28, 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Titans to feature 'Titans blue' as primary home jersey during 2025 NFL season|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-to-feature-titans-blue-as-primary-home-jersey-during-2025-nfl-season|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=March 27, 2025|access-date=March 31, 2025|url-status=live}}

Rivalries

The Titans share rivalries with their three AFC South opponents, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts. They have historical rivalries with former divisional opponents such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills.

=Divisional=

==Jacksonville Jaguars==

{{main|Jaguars–Titans rivalry}}

The rivalry with the Jaguars began in 1995 when the Titans were the Houston Oilers.{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2021 |title=Tennessee Titans long rivalry against Jacksonville Jaguars |url=https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=540293 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Clarksville Online |language=en-US}} The rivalry was heated in the late 1990s and early 2000s due to the success of both franchises at the time, including a season in which Jacksonville went 14–2 and Tennessee went 13–3.{{Cite web |last=Fullford |first=Brian |date=September 30, 2009 |title=For the Jaguars, Their History with the Titans Cuts Deep |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/264369-for-the-jaguars-their-history-with-the-titans-cuts-deep |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} That season, all three of Jacksonville's losses, including the playoffs, came against the Titans, who played that year in Super Bowl XXXIV.{{cite web | last=Groel | first=Connor | title=In the Shadows of Titans: The 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars | website=Medium | date=2022-03-22 | url=https://medium.com/top-level-sports/in-the-shadows-of-titans-the-1999-jacksonville-jaguars-f46e6be2f2a8 | access-date=2024-08-05}} The rivalry cooled when both teams experienced misfortune in the late 2000s to early 2010s, but both teams ended lengthy playoff droughts in 2017.{{Cite magazine |last=Single |first=Eric |date=October 27, 2016 |title=Jaguars-Titans hasn't always been so lackluster |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/10/27/jacksonville-jaguars-tennessee-titans-rivalry-afc-south |access-date=June 19, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Kouvaris |first=Sam |date=December 13, 2020 |title=Sam Kouvaris: Rivalry energy remains strong for Jaguars-Titans |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/columns/2020/12/13/sam-kouvaris-jaguars-titans-clash-still-brings-rivalry-energy/3894940001/ |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=The Florida Times-Union |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=O'Bleness |first=Ryan |date=September 19, 2018 |title=Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars series history: head-to-head records |url=https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2018/9/19/17875952/tennessee-titans-vs-jacksonville-jaguars-series-history-divisional-rivals-through-and-through |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Big Cat Country |language=en}} As of the 2024 season, the Titans lead the all-time series 35–26.{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=oti&tm2=jax&yr=all |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

==Houston Texans==

{{main|Texans–Titans rivalry}}

The Titans’ rivalry with the Houston Texans is more prevalent in Houston due to the Titans having previously played in the city. The Titans dominated the rivalry in the early 2000s, but the series has since evened out in the 2010s.{{Cite web |last=Vega |first=Robert |date=September 20, 2009 |title=Texans-Titans: A Future Classic Rivalry |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/258262-texans-vs-titans-a-future-classic-rivalry |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2022 |title=Tennessee Titans game history against Houston Texans |url=https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=542298 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Clarksville Online |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2009 |title=Rivalry Between Titans, Texans Grows Stronger |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/rivalry-between-titans-texans-grows-stronger-895244 |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=TennesseeTitans.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Jason |date=September 26, 2017 |title=Titans vs. Texans: 5 memorable games in the rivalry |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2017/09/26/titans-vs-texans-5-memorable-games-rivalry/695426001/ |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}} As of the 2024 season, the Titans lead the all-time series 24–22.{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=oti&tm2=htx&yr=all |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

==Indianapolis Colts==

{{main|Colts–Titans rivalry}}

Since the creation of the AFC South, the Titans and the Colts have been division rivals.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Zach |date=March 9, 2012 |title=Top Five Indianapolis Colts/Tennessee Titans Games Featuring Peyton Manning |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1097250-top-five-indianapolis-coltstennessee-titans-games-featuring-peyton-manning |access-date=June 25, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Rabjohns |first=Jeff |date=December 6, 2004 |title=Titans Gamble, Lose Big To Colts |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2004/12/06/titans-gamble-lose-big-to-colts/5024edaa-c463-4d23-844d-1a8f4ae859ec/ |access-date=June 25, 2022 |issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Teresa M. |date=December 27, 2018 |title=Luck can extend dominance of Titans, lead Colts to playoff berth |url=http://www.foxsports.com/indiana/story/luck-colts-playoff-bound-with-win-over-the-titans-122718 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |website=FOX Sports|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}} In 2011, the Titans swept the Colts after 11 straight losses.{{cite web|url = https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/tennessee-titans/teamvsteam?opp=14|title = Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts Results|publisher = The Football Database|access-date = May 24, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525062946/https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/tennessee-titans/teamvsteam?opp=14|archive-date = May 25, 2018|url-status = live}} In 2018, the Colts defeated the Titans in the last game of the regular season to clinch the final Wild Card spot, eliminating Tennessee from playoff contention. In 2020, the Titans claimed the AFC South championship over the Colts due to tie-breaking measures.{{Cite news |last=Reising |first=Buck |date=September 15, 2019 |title=There Is No Titans Rivalry Against The Colts |url=https://atozsports.com/nashville/tennessee-titans/tennessee-titans-there-is-no-rivalry-against-the-colts/ |access-date=June 25, 2022 |website=A to Z Sports |language=en-US}} As of the 2024 season, the Colts lead the all-time series 39–22.{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=oti&tm2=clt&yr=all |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Conference=

==Buffalo Bills==

{{Main|Bills–Titans rivalry}}

While in the AFL, the Houston Oilers was in the same division as the Buffalo Bills, but were moved to the AFC Central division following the NFL-AFL merger. Their rivalry remained strong into the 1980s and 1990s with Warren Moon leading the Oilers against Jim Kelly and the Bills. In 1993, the Comeback, and the January 8, 2000 Music City Miracle, were two iconic moments in Oilers/Titans history have occurred against the Bills.{{Cite web |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2019/10/06/tennessee-titans-biggest-rivals-buffalo-bills-music-city-miracle/3853683002/ |title=Is Titans-Bills a rivalry? Let's evaluate. |last=Gray |first=Nicklaus |date=October 6, 2019 |website=The Tennessean |language=en |access-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429204737/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2019/10/06/tennessee-titans-biggest-rivals-buffalo-bills-music-city-miracle/3853683002/ |url-status=live }} The Bills and Titans were featured in an AFL legacy game in 2009 as part of festivities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the AFL's foundation. Titans owner Bud Adams was fined $250,000 by the league following the 41–17 Titans win in which he obscenely gestured toward the Bills sideline. Adams and Bills owner Ralph Wilson had maintained a friendly rivalry and were the last living original AFL owners at that time.{{Cite web |date=2009-11-16 |title=Adams draws $250K fine from NFL |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4661458 |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2022 |title=Titans, Bills set to continue budding rivalry on TSN – TSN.ca |url=https://www.tsn.ca/simmons-titans-looking-forward-to-latest-matchup-with-bills-1.1850419 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=TSN |language=en}} As of the 2024 season, the Titans lead the all-time series 30–21.{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=oti&tm2=buf&yr=all |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

==Baltimore Ravens==

{{main|Ravens–Titans rivalry}}

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Titans and the Ravens began a rivalry, which flared up when former Titans quarterback Steve McNair went to the Ravens. From the realignment of the NFL's divisions in 2002 to the 2020–21 NFL playoffs, the Titans have faced off against Baltimore five times in the postseason. Derrick Henry left the Titans in the 2024 offseason to play for the Ravens.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/284237/a-punch-to-the-gut-why-ravens-titans-feud-was-once-nfls-best |title=A punch to the gut: Why Ravens-Titans feud was once NFL's best |last=Hensley |first=Jamison |date=October 12, 2018 |website=ESPN |language=en |access-date=January 30, 2020 |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202120207/https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/284237/a-punch-to-the-gut-why-ravens-titans-feud-was-once-nfls-best |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2020/01/10/titans-ravens-playoff-history-upsets-road-teams-undefeated-ray-lewis-steve-mcnair-eddie-george/2838975001/ |title=Titans-Ravens playoff history filled with road upsets, one-and-done No. 1 seeds |last=Gray |first=Nick |date=January 10, 2020 |website=The Tennessean |language=en |access-date=March 21, 2020 |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429204737/https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2020/01/10/titans-ravens-playoff-history-upsets-road-teams-undefeated-ray-lewis-steve-mcnair-eddie-george/2838975001/ |url-status=live }} As of the 2024 season, the Ravens lead the all-time series 14–13.{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=oti&tm2=rav&yr=all |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Historic=

==Pittsburgh Steelers==

{{main|Steelers–Titans rivalry}}

After the move to the AFC Central division, the Titans developed a rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers were the Oilers' primary divisional rival and by the 2020s, the Titans had played them more than any other NFL team.{{Cite web |last=Boclair |first=David |date=September 4, 2013 |title=Titans-Steelers matchup nothing new, then or now |url=http://nashvillepost.com/blogs/postsports/2013/9/4/titans_steelers_matchup_nothing_new_then_or_now |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024123547/http://nashvillepost.com/blogs/postsports/2013/9/4/titans_steelers_matchup_nothing_new_then_or_now |archive-date=2015-10-24 |website=Nashville Post}} As of the 2024 season, the Steelers lead the all-time series 49–32.{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=oti&tm2=pit&yr=all |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=Defunct=

= Texas Governor's Cup: Dallas Cowboys/Dallas Texans =

{{Main|Governor's Cup (Texas)}}

The Cowboys previously led the series against the Oilers 18–13.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Martin |date=October 26, 2023 |title=Can Cowboys-Texans become a real rivalry? Fans can only hope so |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/can-cowboys-texans-become-a-real-rivalry-fans-can-only-hope-so |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Sherrington |first=Kevin |date=December 8, 2022 |title=Symbol of Dallas-Houston rivalry, the Governor's Cup, is missing. Again |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2022/12/08/symbol-of-cowboys-texans-rivalry-the-governors-cup-is-missing-again/ |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=Dallas Morning News |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Brian T. |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Smith: Nonexistent Texans-Cowboys rivalry could be so much more |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/brian-t-smith/article/Houston-Texans-Dallas-Cowboys-rivalry-17643501.php |access-date=February 9, 2024 |work=Houston Chronicle |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans Results |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/dallas-cowboys/teamvsteam?opp=13}}{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans Results |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/dallas-cowboys/teamvsteam?opp=31}}

Culture

=Flameheads=

During the Titans' first season in its new stadium, the end zone sections became known as the Flame Pit and fans began wearing head wear resembling flames.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d7m3xa/tennessee-titans-flame-brother|title=TENNESSEE TITANS: FLAME BROTHER|website=Vice.com|date=September 23, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2021}}{{Cite web |date=2002-06-05 |title=A Life Revealed @ nationalgeographic.com |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020605064533/http://www.flameheads.com/ng.htm |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=web.archive.org}}{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=November 14, 2016 |title=Jonathan Key: Titans Bud Light NFL Super Fan |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/jonathan-key-titans-bud-light-nfl-super-fan-18081273 |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=www.tennesseetitans.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2015 |title=Hundreds of fans come out to watch first Titans practice |url=https://www.tennessean.com/picture-gallery/sports/2015/07/31/hundreds-of-fans-come-out-to-watch-first-titans-practice/30936113/ |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}} Called "Flameheads", the costumes became prevalent during the Titans' successful years of the early 2000s, especially during their run to Super Bowl XXXIV.{{Cite web |date=2002 |title=Tennessee Titans Pictures – Flameheads |url=http://www.flameheads.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020525082212/http://www.flameheads.com/ |archive-date=May 25, 2002 |access-date=March 7, 2022 |website=www.flameheads.com}}{{Cite web |title=Thigpen a no-go; Wilkins kicks well |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs99/sb/s/0130pregame.html |access-date=March 7, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Daniel |date=June 28, 2013 |title=Things a Tennessee Titans Fan Says |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1687307-things-a-tennessee-titans-fan-says |access-date=June 25, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Jang |first=Meena |date=2015-01-30 |title=Super Bowl: Football’s Craziest Fans (Photos) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/super-bowl-footballs-craziest-fans-768468/12-helmets-on/ |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Flames are tied to the organization because in Greek Mythology, the Titan Prometheus stole fire and gave it to humanity.

=Cheerleaders and mascot=

File:Titans-Cheerleaders-LPField-vsPackers-Nov-2-08.jpg

File:Tennessee Titans mascot T-Rac.png, the mascot of the Tennessee Titans.]]

The Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders represent the team in the NFL. They perform at every home game in Nissan Stadium and regularly do acts with the team's mascot T-Rac. They have 28 members with four captains.{{cite web|title=Cheerleaders Home|url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/cheerleaders/|website=Tennessee Titans|access-date=September 9, 2021}} They perform a variety of dance moves and high-risk stunts. They attend community events in Middle Tennessee.

T-Rac is the raccoon mascot of the Titans, debuting in the team's inaugural preseason home game in August 1999 against the Atlanta Falcons.{{cite web | last=McCullough | first=Erin | title=4 things you might not know about T-Rac | website=WKRN News 2 | date=2023-09-10 | url=https://www.wkrn.com/sports/tennessee-titans/t-rac-facts/#:~:text=T%2DRac%20is%20a%20raccoon,state%20wild%20animal%20of%20Tennessee. | access-date=2024-08-29}} The raccoon is the state animal of Tennessee. T-Rac appears at every game in Nissan Stadium and performs at community events in Tennessee.

=Stadium traditions=

During every home game's 4th quarter, the stadium plays a video of "office linebacker" Terry Tate, performed by Lester Speight, shouting his catchphrase, "the pain train's coming"! The phrase is followed by the playing of "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

After every Titans first down at Nissan Stadium, the jumbotron plays a scene from the movie 300, where the Spartans chant after King Leonidas asks, "What is your profession?" Titans fans simultaneously perform the chant three times, "OOH! OOH! OOH!" The chant debuted in video game form in Madden NFL 22.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

=Titans Ring of Honor=

In 1999, Adams established a Titans/Oilers Hall of Fame after the 40th season of the franchise to honor past players and management, with the first class being seven that were all inducted on December 9, 1999.{{cite web | title=Tennessee Titans to add Floyd Reese, Jeff Fisher to Ring of Honor | website=Clarksville Online | date=2021-11-21 | url=https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2021/11/21/tennessee-titans-to-add-floyd-reese-jeff-fisher-to-ring-of-honor/ | access-date=2024-08-29}} It was changed to Oilers/Titans Ring of Honor in 2008.{{cite web | last=Kuharsky | first=Paul | title=Titans unveiling new Ring of Honor | website=ESPN.com | date=2008-09-03 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/332/titans-unveiling-new-ring-of-honor | access-date=2024-08-29}} Bum Phillips, Jeff Fisher and Floyd Reese were inducted in 2021. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson is the most recent inductee.{{cite web | last=Wyatt | first=Jim | title=Bum Phillips, Jeff Fisher and Floyd Reese | website=TennesseeTitans.com | date=2021-07-14 | url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-organization-to-add-three-bum-phillips-jeff-fisher-and-floyd-reese-to-rin | access-date=2024-08-29}}{{cite web | last=Arthur | first=Ben | title=Tennessee Titans induct Fisher, Reese into franchise's Ring of Honor | website=The Tennessean | date=2021-11-21 | url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2021/11/21/tennessee-titans-induct-fisher-reese-into-franchises-ring-honor/8710935002/ | access-date=2024-08-29}}{{cite web | last=Wyatt | first=Jim | title=Oilers Legend Billy "White Shoes" Johnson to be Inducted Into the Franchise's Ring of Honor on Sunday vs Houston Texans | website=TennesseeTitans.com | date=2023-12-14 | url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/oilers-legend-billy-white-shoes-johnson-to-be-inducted-into-the-franchise-s-ring | access-date=2024-08-29}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans|border=2}};"|Oilers/Titans Ring of Honor

colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Players
scope="col"|Inductee

! scope="col"|Position

! scope="col"|Tenure

! scope="col"|Year Inducted

Elvin BetheaDefensive end1968–19831999
George BlandaQuarterback
Placekicker
1960–19661999
Earl CampbellRunning back1978–19841999
Mike HolovakExecutive
Scout
1981–19991999
Ken HoustonSafety1967–19721999
Mike MunchakGuard1982–19931999
Jim NortonSafety
Punter
1960–19681999
Bruce MatthewsGuard
Center
Offensive tackle
1983–20012002
Warren MoonQuarterback1984–19932006
Bud AdamsOwner1959–20132008
Eddie GeorgeRunning back1996–20032008
Steve McNairQuarterback1995–20052008
Frank WycheckTight end1995–20032008
Robert BrazileLinebacker1975–19842018
Jeff FisherHead coach1994–20102022
Bum PhillipsHead coach1975–19802022
Floyd ReeseCoach/general manager1986–20062022
Billy "White Shoes" JohnsonKick returner1974–19802023

Season-by-season records

{{Main|List of Tennessee Titans seasons}}

Source:{{cite web | title=Tennessee Titans Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks | website=Pro Football Reference | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/ | access-date=2024-08-29}}

Player information

{{Further|List of Tennessee Titans players|List of Tennessee Titans starting quarterbacks|List of Tennessee Titans first-round draft picks}}

=Current roster=

{{Tennessee Titans roster}}

=Retired numbers=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans|border=2}};"|Houston / Tennessee Oilers / Titans retired numbers

width=40px style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|No.

! width=150px style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Player

! width=40px style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Position

! width=100px style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Years played

! width=150px style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Retired

1Warren MoonQB1984–1993October 1, 2006
9Steve McNairQB1995–2005September 15, 2019
27Eddie GeorgeRB1996–2003September 15, 2019
34Earl CampbellRB1978–1984August 13, 1987
43Jim NortonS/P1960–19681968
63Mike MunchakG1982–1993November 6, 1994
65Elvin BetheaDE1968–1983August 4, 1983
74Bruce MatthewsG1983–2001December 8, 2002
{{cite book|chapter=Retired Jersey Numbers & Titans/Oilers Hall of Fame|url=http://prod.static.titans.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/mediaguide/Tennessee-Titans-Media-Guide.pdf|publisher=NFL Enterprises|title=2017 Tennessee Titans Media Guide|date=September 26, 2017|access-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119204856/http://prod.static.titans.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/mediaguide/Tennessee-Titans-Media-Guide.pdf|archive-date=January 19, 2018|url-status=live}}

=Pro Football Hall of Fame members=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans|border=2}};"|Houston Oilers / Tennessee Oilers/Titans Hall of Famers

colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Players
scope="col"|No.

! scope="col"|Inductee

! scope="col"|Class

! scope="col"|Position

! scope="col"|Seasons

16{{sortname|George|Blanda}}1981QB / K1960–1966
29{{sortname|Ken|Houston}}1986S1967–1972
35{{sortname|John Henry|Johnson}}1987FB1966
34{{sortname|Earl|Campbell}}1991RB1978–1984
18{{sortname|Charlie|Joiner}}1996WR1969–1972
63{{sortname|Mike|Munchak}}2001G1982–1993
87{{sortname|Dave|Casper}}2002TE1980–1983
65{{sortname|Elvin|Bethea}}2003DE1968–1983
1{{sortname|Warren|Moon}}2006QB1984–1993
74Matthews, BruceBruce Matthews2007G1983–2001
78{{sortname|Curley|Culp}}2013DT1974–1980
12{{sortname|Ken|Stabler}}2016QB1980–1981
52{{sortname|Robert|Brazile}}2018LB1975–1984
84{{sortname|Randy|Moss}}2018WR2010
68Kevin Mawae2019C2006–2009
73Steve Hutchinson2020G2012
81

|Andre Johnson

|2024

|WR

|2016

colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Coaches and executives
scope="col" colspan=2|Inductee

! scope="col"|Class

! scope="col"|Position

! scope="col"|Seasons

colspan=2|{{sortname|Sammy|Baugh}}1963Head coach1964
colspan=2|{{sortname|Sid|Gillman}}1983Head coach1973–1974

=Texas Sports Hall of Fame=

{{Main|Texas Sports Hall of Fame}}

class="wikitable"
style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans|border=2}};"|Houston / Tennessee Oilers / Titans Ring of Honor
style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|No.

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Name

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Position

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Years

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tennessee Titans}};"|Inducted

65

|style="background:#ffb"|Elvin Bethea

|DE

|1968–1983

|rowspan=7|December 9, 1999

16

|style="background:#ffb"|George Blanda

|QB

|1960–1966

34

|style="background:#ffb"|Earl Campbell

|RB

|1978–1984

|Mike Holovak

|GM

|1989–1993

29

|style="background:#ffb"|Ken Houston

|S

|1967–1972

63

|style="background:#ffb"|Mike Munchak

|G

|1982–1993

43

|Jim Norton

|P

|1960–1968

74

|style="background:#ffb"|Bruce Matthews

|G

|1983–2001

|December 8, 2002

1

|style="background:#ffb"|Warren Moon

|QB

|1984–1993

|October 1, 2007

|Bud Adams

|Owner/founder

|1959–2013

|September 7, 2008

27

|Eddie George

|RB

|1996–2003

|rowspan=3|October 27, 2008

9

|Steve McNair

|QB

|1995–2005

89

|Frank Wycheck

|TE

|1995–2003

52

|style="background:#ffb"|Robert Brazile

|LB

|1975–1984

|October 14, 2018

|Bum Phillips

|Coach

|1975–1980

|September 26, 2021

|Jeff Fisher

|Coach

|1994–2010

|rowspan=2|November 21, 2021

|Floyd Reese

|Coach/GM

|1986–2006

84

|Billy "White Shoes" Johnson

|WR

|1974–1980

|December 17, 2023

=Franchise leaders=

Bold denotes still active with team

Italics denote still active but not with team

Passing yards (regular season) (as of end of 2023 season){{cite web | title=Tennessee Titans Career Passing Leaders | website=Pro Football Reference | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/career-passing.htm | access-date=2024-08-29}}

{{columns-start|num=3}}

{{columns-end}}

Rushing yards (regular season) (as of end of 2023 season){{cite web | title=Tennessee Titans Career Rushing Leaders | website=Pro Football Reference | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/career-rushing.htm | access-date=2024-08-29}}

{{columns-start|num=3}}

{{columns-end}}

Receiving yards (regular season) (as of end of 2023 season){{cite web | title=Tennessee Titans Career Receiving Leaders | website=Pro Football Reference | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/career-receiving.htm | access-date=2024-08-29}}

{{columns-start|num=3}}

{{columns-end}}

Coaching staff

=Head coaches=

{{Main|List of Tennessee Titans head coaches}}

=Current staff=

{{Tennessee Titans staff}}

Radio and television

{{Main|List of Tennessee Titans broadcasters}}

The flagship radio station of the Titans Radio Network for several years was WKDF 103.3-FM. WGFX 104.5-FM, the original Tennessee Oilers/Titans Radio flagship station, has served as the Titans Radio flagship station since the 2010 season. Mike Keith is the team's play-by-play announcer, and former Titans assistant coach Dave McGinnis, head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2000 to 2003, provides color commentary during games.{{cite web | last=Wilhoit | first=Robin | title=Mike Keith reflects on 25 years as the 'Voice of the Tennessee Titans' | website=WBIR.com | date=2023-11-06 | url=https://www.wbir.com/article/sports/nfl/titans/mike-keith-voice-of-the-tennessee-titans-25-years/51-03196dad-9106-4138-8cb6-7df2ec95ac79 | access-date=2024-08-29}}{{cite web | last=Wyatt | first=Jim | title=Dave McGinnis to Return as Titans Radio Color Analyst | website=TennesseeTitans.com | date=2018-04-25 | url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/dave-mcginnis-to-return-as-titans-radio-color-analyst-20583110 | access-date=2024-08-29}} Previous to McGinnis, former Titans tight end Frank Wycheck provided the color commentary. Larry Stone provides injury and scoring updates. The Titans Radio Network is broadcast on 70 stations.{{cite web|title=Gamedays on Titans Radio|url=https://www.titansonline.com/on-the-air/|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=TitansOnline.com|access-date=February 10, 2020|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328190317/https://www.titansonline.com/on-the-air/|url-status=live}}

In 2011, the Titans extended its agreement with existing radio partners while creating a provision allowing home games to be broadcast on SiriusXM. They were the final team in the NFL to reach such a deal.{{cite web|last=Kuharsky|first=Paul|title=At long last, Titans Radio goes satellite|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/24642/at-long-last-titans-radio-goes-satellite|work=ESPN|date=June 16, 2011|access-date=December 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227115259/http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/24642/at-long-last-titans-radio-goes-satellite|archive-date=December 27, 2015|url-status=live}}

Most preseason games are televised on Nexstar station WKRN-TV, the ABC affiliate in Nashville, with The Mike Vrabel Show, a weekly Tuesday night coach's show. The preseason games are distributed through a network consisting of Nexstar stations throughout the state and some affiliates where Nexstar has no stations.

For regular season games, Nashville CBS affiliate WTVF airs the most games due to its AFC-centric rights. Fox affiliate WZTV carries home games against NFC opponents, with select flexed games, NBC affiliate WSMV-TV has Sunday Night Football broadcasts, and WKRN carries the team's Monday Night Football games.

=Radio affiliates=

{{Further|Titans Radio Network}}

See also

References

{{Reflist|30em}}