Deion Sanders could not contain his shock after the Tennessee Titans announced the firing of general manager Ran Carthon.

Carthon was dismissed after two seasons in charge of the Titans’ front office, with a 3-14 record this season leaving the team in possession of the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. That, of course, is of huge interest to Colorado head coach Sanders, whose son Shedeur is in the frame to be the first player selected in Tennessee.

The 22-year-old, who led the Buffaloes to a 9-4 season with 37 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, is battling with Miami star Cam Ward to be the first quarterback taken in the draft. Tennessee is in prime position to take either man after Sunday’s defeat to the Houston Texans saw them finish with the worst record in the league.

An offseason of major change is in the offing in Nashville, and the organization has wasted no time, giving Carthon his marching orders. Head coach Brian Callahan, however, has been retained for 2025 despite a dismal first season with the team.

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk confirmed the news in a statement, and Hall of Famer Deion – who has indicated he could influence his son’s draft process to ensure he lands with a preferred team – was quick to react to the news. “WOW!” he posted, adding an eyes emoji.

Carthon was fired after only two years with the Titans

Carthon was fired after only two years with the Titans ( 

Image:

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The Titans had a 9-25 record under Carthon’s leadership. He paid the price for a big-spending offseason earlier this year, acquiring Calvin Ridley, L’Jarius Sneed, Lloyd Cushenberrt, Chidobe Aquze and Tony Pollard, only for the team to regress significantly.

Adams Strunk’s statement read: “I’ve loved the time I’ve spent with Ran. He’s a talented football mind, a great man, and a friend to everyone along his path. It’s impossible to ignore that our football team hasn’t improved over the past two years.

“I am deeply disappointed in our poor win-loss record during this period, of course, but my decision also speaks to my concern about our long-term future should we stay the course.

“I love this team more than you can imagine. To our fans: we know this level of performance isn’t acceptable. We’re humbled by your support as we continue to work towards building the team you expect and deserve.”

Titans president and CEO Burke Nihill added: “Ran had very different circumstances over the last two years in terms of his role. At the end of the day, this is a results-oriented business. Amy’s assessment is we needed to make a change.”