Kevin Stefanski is 7th candidate interviewed as Titans wrap up 1st week of coaching search

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Titans concluded their first week of their search for a new coach Saturday by interviewing two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.

The Titans announced they had wrapped up interviews with seven candidates to start the process of hiring a second head coach in two years.

Stefanski, 43, is the third to interview in person with the Titans. He was fired Monday by Cleveland with a 46-58 record and two playoff berths in 2020 and 2023 only to go 5-12 this season. He led the Browns to a wild-card win over Pittsburgh in the 2020 season.

The Ravens interviewed Stefanski for their open coaching job Friday.

The Titans also met in person with interim coach Mike McCoy, who went 2-9 replacing Brian Callahan when fired Oct. 13, and former Dallas head coach Jason Garrett on Friday.

The team interviewed Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph on Wednesday, Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo all virtually.

This is the first coaching search being run by first-time general manager Mike Borgonzi, hired less than a year ago by the Titans. Tennessee is mired in a skid of four straight losing seasons.

The Titans also have requested interviews with Mike McDaniel, fired by the Miami Dolphins, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, a person confirmed Friday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Titans are not commenting on individual interviews during the search.

That puts the Titans' list of candidates at 15 with requests in to interview Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

NFL rules limit when teams can talk to coaches whose teams are currently in the playoffs. Coaches in the wild-card round can do a virtual interview of up to three hours beginning Tuesday, except for Smith who can't until Wednesday with Pittsburgh playing Monday night.