After missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2018, the Tennessee Titans have decided to change things up in their front office.
The franchise has elected to hire Ran Carthon as their new general manager. Carthon will be in place to help shape the organization’s approach towards free agency in March, and make decisions about whom the team will select in the 2023 NFL Draft in April.
The team fired previous general manager Jon Robinson in early December, and lost director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort to the Arizona Cardinals a few days ago.
Carthon’s Background
It’s somewhat ironic that one of the NFL’s most run-heavy teams hired a former running back as its general manager. Ran Carthon suited up for nine career games in the NFL, all for the Indianapolis Colts, in 2005 and 2006. He scored one touchdown in each season. Carthon was also involved on special teams for Indianapolis during that time, as he has seven career kick returns to his name.
Once his playing days ended, Carthon’s attention shifted to the front office. He comes to Tennessee by way of the San Francisco 49ers, where he served as the director of player personnel since 2017. He had also worked with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams previously. Carthon had received interest from other organization’s in the past, as he interviewed for the Chicago Bears’ general manager vacancy last season.
Top Priorities
Given his background, it’ll be curious to see how Carthon approaches roster construction with the Titans. For the last several years, Tennessee has heavily relied on running back Derrick Henry for offensive production, and to control the overall time of possession. Deciding whether or not that approach is sustainable next year and for the following seasons will be one of Carthon’s biggest points of evaluation.
He may elect to bring in additional help for Henry so that the offense can diversify their attack. This might take the shape of a legitimate backup running back, or by doubling down on offensive line talent to create holes for the All-Pro. Carthon will also likely take a big swing at receiver, as the franchise continues to try and replace the talent of A.J. Brown, whom they traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Lineage
Carthon has been around the NFL for a long time, dating back to his days as a young boy. His father, Maurice Carthon, had an eight-year professional career. The elder Carthon spent seven seasons with the New York Giants, winning two Super Bowls in 1986 and 1990. Maurice Carthon played his final NFL campaign with the Indianapolis Colts in 1992.
Maurice Carthon also did his damage in the backfield. As a running back/fullback, he handled 300 total carries in his career, for 950 yards and two touchdowns. He caught 90 passes for 745 yards and one touchdown as well. Maurice Carthon went into coaching after he retired, serving as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns from 2001-2006.
