Free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror, with much of the NFL now focused on organized team activities, aka OTAs. On Wednesday, there was one notable NFL hire. Dave Gardi, who has served as the Washington Commanders‘ senior vice president of football initiatives, departed the organization to accept a promotion with the Tennessee Titans.
Gardi will be Tennessee’s new executive vice president, football operations. In his new role, Gardi will oversee football administration, football strategy, analytics, research, video, security and much more. He will report directly to general manager Mike Borgonzi. Gardi replaces Chad Brinker, who stepped down last month.
Before Gardi’s arrival in Washington in 2024, he spent 21 years at the NFL league office. During his two seasons with the Commanders, Gardi handled in-game management, instant replay reviews, health and safety guidelines, and rules. He worked very closely with head coach Dan Quinn.
The @Titans have hired Dave Gardi as Executive Vice President, Football Operations.
READ https://t.co/Gso2A3AYPPpic.twitter.com/uEBjsPl8Fo
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 20, 2026
Gardi brought a unique experience to the Commanders, so it will be interesting to see whether they plan to replace him in his position and, if so, whether it will be from an internal promotion or an outside hire. Gardi has expertise in a number of areas, including the CBA, NFL rules, the salary cap, and player contracts. Gardi played quarterback at Brown before earning a law degree from Hofstra.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Dave Gardi departs front office for Titans