Ahmed Saleh is now part of the Tennessee Titans’ coaching staff, but his path to the NFL has sparked plenty of debate. Landing a job in the league usually takes years of grinding through the college ranks and building a strong résumé.
Connections, however, often play a major role. A 2022 USA Today Sports analysis found that roughly 13% of NFL coaches had a relative already working in the league, showing how family ties can open doors.
Table of Contents
That context is fueling discussion around Ahmed Saleh’s hiring in Tennessee. According to multiple reports, the Titans have added Ahmed Saleh, cousin of head coach Robert Saleh, to their staff.
The move comes during what has otherwise been a major overhaul under Robert Saleh. He quickly hired veteran coordinators Brian Daboll and Gus Bradley, signaling that the Titans were focused on experienced leadership as they reset the coaching structure.
Ahmed Saleh’s exact role has not yet been officially confirmed by the team. Reports indicate Ahmed will work as a defensive quality control coach, a behind-the-scenes position often designed to develop young assistants within an NFL system.
Given his experience, Ahmed Saleh is expected to assist on the defensive side, likely working closely with Gus Bradley’s unit. Still, the jump from Division II football to the NFL has caught attention across the league.
Before this opportunity, Ahmed coached linebackers and coordinated special teams at Wayne State. He joined the program in 2024 and remained there for two seasons.
The Warriors endured a tough 2025 campaign under head coach Tyrone Wheatley, finishing 0–11. The team suffered heavy losses, including 34–7 to Tiffin, 59–0 to Ferris State, and 59–13 to Grand Valley State.
Despite the struggles on the field, Ahmed oversaw several academic standouts. Six linebackers earned Academic All-GLIAC recognition, including Quincy Salter and Gavin Troy, while CJ Jordon was named special teams MVP.
Still, critics questioned the timing and circumstances of the hire. “With how little his experience is, this is an odd hire,” Titan Teen’s Brody Drupert wrote.
Ahmed Saleh’s coaching journey began as a defensive student assistant at Michigan State. He later became defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Dearborn Fordson High School in 2017.
After high school coaching, Ahmed served as a graduate assistant at Colorado State from 2018 to 2019. He then worked two seasons at Madonna University as special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Ahmed Saleh also participated in the NFL’s Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship with the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers. He later coached safeties at Northern Michigan before making the move to Wayne State.
His hiring has revived broader conversations about nepotism in the NFL. According to USA Today, dozens of coaches have worked alongside relatives, and many sons of NFL coaches have landed roles on their fathers’ staffs.
NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent has previously acknowledged how difficult it can be to break into coaching circles. “That’s a tight-knit fraternity, with nepotism and all of those things coming at play,” Vincent said, noting how hard it is for outsiders to enter those rooms.
Prominent examples continue to fuel the debate, with Bill Belichick employing his sons Steve and Brian on the Patriots’ staff, and Pete Carroll also hiring his sons at various NFL stops, moves that drew some criticism from league observers.
For now, the Titans have not fully detailed Ahmed Saleh’s responsibilities. How Ahmed Saleh performs in this new NFL role will ultimately determine whether the concerns fade or grow louder in the months ahead.
FAQ:
Who is Ahmed Saleh?
Ahmed is the cousin of Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh. He has previously coached linebackers and special teams at Wayne State and is now joining the Titans’ coaching staff.
What position will Ahmed Saleh hold with the Titans?
While the Titans have not officially confirmed his exact role, multiple reports suggest Ahmed will serve as a defensive quality control coach, a position designed to develop young NFL assistants.
How did Ahmed Saleh get an NFL coaching job?
Ahmed has a varied coaching background, including experience at Division II colleges, participation in the NFL Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship, and roles at high school and smaller college programs. His family connection to Robert Saleh may have also played a role.
What is Ahmed Saleh’s coaching experience?
Ahmed coached linebackers and special teams at Wayne State, linebackers at Madonna University, safeties at Northern Michigan, and participated in the NFL’s Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship with the 49ers and Packers.
Why is Ahmed Saleh’s hire controversial?
The hire has raised eyebrows because Ahmed Saleh is moving directly from a Division II program to the NFL, and critics see potential nepotism due to his relationship with head coach Robert Saleh.
Has nepotism been an issue in the NFL before?
Yes. Several NFL coaches have hired family members, including Bill Belichick with his sons on the Patriots’ staff and Pete Carroll hiring his sons on different teams. This has sparked ongoing debates about favoritism in coaching hires.
How did Wayne State perform under Ahmed Saleh?
While the team struggled overall, finishing 0–11 in 2025, Ahmed Saleh coached several Academic All-GLIAC linebackers and oversaw special teams players who earned honors, showing some success off the field.
What’s next for Ahmed with the Titans?
Ahmed Saleh’s responsibilities and performance in the NFL will determine how his hiring is viewed and whether it sparks further discussions on nepotism within the league.
Also Read: Ty Simpson Gets Tennessee Honor as Dad Shares Message
Ty Simpson Gets Tennessee Honor as Dad Shares Message