Despite the lack of final word, the Titans’ GM job will be treated as a “primary” executive position

When the Titans fired GM Ran Carthon and gave final say on football matters to President of Football Operations Chad Brinker, a potential problem arose.

If Brinker has power over the team’s football decisions, can the Titans interview executives from other teams?

Turns out they can.

According to Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com, the league reviewed the job description for the revised GM position and determined it will be “the primary football executive position.” Even if, you know, it’s not.

It looks and feels like a page with make-it-up-as-we-go playbook, with the Titans now able to hire a non-GM from another team for the GM job who doesn’t have full GM powers.

The stick-waving by the league office has a collateral benefit for the Grand Shield. That helps cover up a potential Rooney Rule violation that occurred when Brinker: (1) was promoted from assistant GM to president of football operations without a search in 2024; and (2) this week, also without a search, was given the last word on all things football.

The league office, which is still facing a racial discrimination lawsuit from Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Steve Wilks and Ray Horton, is in no business announcing to the world that teams have violated a basic and easily satisfied procedure for ensuring minimal diversity in the hiring process. Even if the Titans took liberties with the rule by running a two-step play for Brinker, the NFL gets nothing if it finds it a violation.

That’s the other side make-it-up-as-we-go coin. Sending a clear message about there is nothing to see.