Nashville – The Titans will have a new position coach and a new running game in 2024.
Randy Jordan was hired as running backs coach this offseason, and the team said goodbye to longtime workhorse Derrick Henry.
Jordan takes over a group that includes running back Tejay Spears, Henry's sidekick, in 2023, two other returning backs and several newcomers.
Among the newcomers is former Cowboys running back Tony Pollard.
Now the Titans have to figure out how to use them.
“I'm really excited to be working with them,” said Jordan, who spent the past 10 seasons (2014-23) with the Washington Commanders. “I've been in the NFC East and got to meet Mr. TP quite a bit. So when I had the opportunity to acquire him, I was really excited. I love his skill set, actually. I love his skill set, both (Tony) and (Tige).
“Both of them don't have to worry about the number of touches, like handoffs or running the ball, because they can both catch the ball pretty well out of the backfield. So in that regard, I don't count. I'm counting touches when it comes to rushing, “Hey, you've had 10 rushes, but you've also had 6 catches, 16 total. And they're getting a really good feel for each other. I think” off the field. ”
The 6-foot, 209-pound Pollard brings another weapon after Spears turned heads as a rookie at Tennessee in 2023, rushing for 453 yards and gaining 385 receiving yards on 52 catches.
Pollard played his first five NFL seasons, all with Dallas, posting 3,621 career rushing yards on 762 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Pollard has 176 career receptions for 1,319 yards and five touchdowns.
Pollard and Spears have worked together on the team's offseason program.
“First of all, that kid has more energy,” Jordan said of Spears with a smile. “He tires me out just in terms of excitement for the game and the energy he brings. He's a player who wants to contribute every day and we need players like that on our team.”
“But his special skill set is he's very explosive with the ball in his hands. He can catch the ball, he can run it. And as far as blocking quarterbacks. He's going to turn his face into a fan, and that's great.'' I'm excited about this because sometimes men don't want to do that. But he actively participates. ”