 Hi, Rand. Theresa Walker with the Associated Press. As you are learning names, learning your way around this building, there's a lot of questions facing this franchise this off season. Do you start with salary cap or is quarterback maybe the top of your to-do list and trying to figure out where to go next? I think Mike Vrabel is the top of my to-do list. And us working together and forging a relationship and coming up with our plan on how to build this roster. You know, I think there are a multitude of things that we need to do, that we need to fix and make this organization better. But my number one priority is spending more time with Mike Vrabel and learning the systems that are here in place and how I can help improve upon them and which will help us build a championship team. What are the challenges of getting to know your scouts and scouting simultaneously? Well, so just kind of give you a little bit behind the curtain. Came in this morning pretty early before all of this. So I've already met with RC in the pro department and then the college scouting department as well. My plan isn't to come in here and flip everything over right now. I think that would be extremely selfish. I'm the one new person in, so it's easier for one person to adjust to a group of 20 or 25 people. So my job right now is to come in and learn the systems and processes that have already been in place. And there are some commonalities from what J-Rob had here versus what I've had in the past. So it's a little bit easier to learn the language. But just over time and just spending time, it's just like any relationship. It takes time and it takes effort and work. And I'm willing to do that and I'm going to do that. And you mentioned Mike. I mean, did you know Mike well before you got here? And maybe what are your thoughts about, what have your thoughts been about him from afar and now getting to know him a little bit? So Tuesday was the first time that I met Mike in person. 2005, I was a bottom of the roster player for the Colts. So I was inactive in the 2005 game, the Colts Patriots game where Mike played. I was inactive, didn't get to meet him then. My father who's here in attendance was on the staff in 2009, 2010 at Kansas City Chiefs where Mike finished. So never had a relationship with Mike. I've always respected him. Mike is a, he's a football coach. And you can see that and it permeates off of him, off of the screen. So I was excited to get the opportunity to meet with him this past Tuesday. And like he said, we just had a level of conversation that could have, could have went ours. You know, and so what I do recognize and understand with Mike, our core philosophy and, and just our ground base of football, it comes from a similar place. So that's going to allow us to kind of start, you know, at a higher level. And I'm just looking forward to working with him and building, building this team. All right, you're known as a collaborator. And that was a big thing that this organization wanted. In your meeting with Mike Rabel, like what was it that made you feel like that relationship will work? And then also how can you lean on your past experience seeing John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, how that worked? How will that help you in this relationship? Right, so, you know, I've been multiple organizations, like I've mentioned, and I've seen it done, you know, different ways. But the best way I've seen it done is when the head coach and the GM are in lockstep. Right, it's my job, it's our job as scouts is to execute Mike and his coaching staff's vision. Right, I'm not calling plays on Sunday. I'm not designing plays throughout the week. And so it's our job to bring the right players in here to execute his vision. But in our conversation that we had the other day again, like I said before, our grassroots foundation of football comes from a similar place and we see the game the same way. And so I'm just excited to learn those systems, the offensive system, defensive system, and special team system that he's put in place. And I think having a better knowledge of that is gonna help me work with him and build a championship football team. And the fact that it's a GM job that's open, what was attractive about this specific job to you? These people on the front row, you know, obviously, and I talked with Miss Amy about this, GM has always been a dream of mine, but it was always about the right fit, you know, and it wasn't about getting the job, it was being in a place that's gonna support you and put you in a position to keep the job. And like I said, when I met, you know, these guys and I guess three, four weeks ago, whenever it was, it really opened my eyes. And then throughout the interview process and actually getting a chance to meet Kenneth throughout that process, it just confirmed to me that this is the place that I wanted to be. You know, I'm coming from a good situation in San Francisco, it was a really great building, you know, a lot of strong relationships there. So for me to leave and want to seek opportunity somewhere else, it had to be a special place. And I truly believe that this place is special. What would your team look like if everything goes according to plan? We'd be hosting trophies and having parades and, you know, oh, it's gonna be a grind, it's gonna be a process. You know, like I said, our thing is right now is me and Mike developing our relationship and really me coming in this building and learning, you know, what's in place and how I can add value. You know, one thing I imparted on the group during my interview, my stepfather was in the military and I moved around, you know, a bunch throughout my life and being living in San Jose these past few years, that's the longest I've ever lived in one spot in my 41 years of living. And so I've always had to be the person to come in and just insert myself into a new culture, learn that new culture and see where I fit. So I feel this is natural, you know, this is a natural thing for me to do is come in and learn my fit and over time I'll establish myself, you know, as a leader and help Mike build the team that he wants. As you peruse this roster and you see kind of where things stand right now, do you feel like this team is maybe just a few fixes away from being a contender again or do you feel like that there's major changes? No, this is a competitive team. This is a competitive team and we can win football games but at the end of the year you evaluate your roster every year and you're always looking for ways to improve that. And so that's what we're gonna do here. Although I feel the team is competitive and we're good, the objective is not be good. The objective is to be great and so we're gonna continue to work to build a great roster and that's gonna be every year, you know, so you can always take it to a new height so that's gonna be our approach. Are there common threads with the three organizations you've been with in terms of operations, scouting decisions, making all that and if so, what are they? So again, you know, here under Jay Robbs, Tudelich, under RCs, Tudelich, a lot of the core scouting aspects, the genesis of it was New England which is where I got cut my teeth in Atlanta under Thomas Dimitrov, who was a college director in New England. We learned the system from less, we kind of brought a little bit of it to St. Louis and then when I got to San Francisco, the aspects of it were the exact same under John Lynch and Adam Peters who also worked with the guys in New England. So that's a lot of the foundation and so those are the close things. I think in all three buildings, those three buildings are now including this as I'm getting to know these guys there are great scouts here. There are guys who are passionate about the job, passionate about the sport and passionate about winning and so I think those common things will allow us to be successful. What do you think of Brian Tannehill and is he your quarterback? I don't think that's fair. At this point, we're still evaluating the roster. I am, you know, and that's gonna take further conversations with me and Mike Ryan has been great here. He's won a lot of football games and I look forward to us winning football games but I still need more time, you know, to evaluate and make those decisions. As you know, this is a quarterback driven league and people are hired and fired every day over that position so we wanna, I wanna spend more time evaluating that position so I'll have my own opinion and Mike and I will confer and figure it out. How much do you pull from your journey because it's been a ways to get here. You kind of described it from the different organizations you worked with and pulling from what worked maybe and what didn't and how beneficial is that now that you are that guy? Well, you know, like I said, coming in, I've seen it done, you know, a bunch of different ways and the one thing I take away from it is, again, it goes back to the word collaboration. Like collaboration truly works. You know, again, I've said it, you know, kind of tongue in cheek but I could be the greatest talent evaluator of all time but if I can't bring Mike the players that he needs to fit his system, then it's not gonna work. And it's, you know, we're not here to collect talent, you know, we're here to build a team and so, you know, just being able to pull from all my different experiences. You know, I tell my kids all the time, every situation is a learning situation. You're either learning what to do or what not to do. And so I've taken from all those lessons of what to do, what not to do is gonna help, you know, help us in this part. So what's your experience coming on the pro side? How much draft side experience that you get in the last two years with the elevation in San Francisco and can you talk us through how much while you're on the pro side, you were involved in the draft or is that gonna be a big jump for you? No, so I've been predominantly pro by title. So I've had draft experience since I've come into this league, you know, just again, under people who understood my skill set and allowed me to grow from that space. So director of pro scout, those have just been my titles but not necessarily my job. Thank you. First black general manager in this franchise. How significant is that for your family and when did it kind of click that you made history? It's very significant. I understand I'm standing on the shoulder of giants and there have been plenty of men that have come before me that have laid this foundation that allowed me to be in this spot and it's paramount in my mind to do the work and be successful to leave the door open, you know, for other young black men that are coming behind me because there are a lot of talented young black men that could do the job. They just need the opportunity. And, you know, I don't go out seeking, you know, to be the first black in anything. I just want to be the best me and, you know, very prideful but I just want to be the best. I don't want, I don't care if it's black, I don't care if it's white, I want to be the best. And the significance of it, my aunt who's here, she texts me and asked and I was like, honestly, I don't know. And she was like, well, you might want to find out, and no, and so that's when it first dawned on me that I was the first black GM in Titans history. What kind of whirlwind has it been, Rand, since you got the job, I guess flying back and forth across the country, trying to learn, I guess, players on this team, people in this building, getting your family here. What has all that been like for you? Man, I tell you, a little bit of context. First interview was last Friday. Second interview was Tuesday. So let me rewind. First interview was Friday. Fly back to the Bay Area, San Francisco, play Seattle on Sunday, oh, Saturday. Go to that game, get an email from Burke Saturday night. Hey, if we wanted to bring you back, when can we do that? We set a date, I get a text from Burke Sunday morning. Hey, we need to push it up. I'm back on a flight Monday, back here, interview Tuesday, get a second interview. I'm sitting in the airport and that's when I got the call from Ms. Amy. Just really sitting in the terminal, receiving all this information that my dream was coming true and can't react because I'm in a terminal full of people that don't know. And I remember calling my wife and telling her and she kind of thought I was playing because I had to keep a stoic straight face. But from that point, it's been a whirlwind, right? So that happens Tuesday, I fly home. Tuesday night, I go to 49ers building Wednesday, get a few things, we're on a flight the next day coming here. And so it's been a whirlwind. I'll be honest, I don't feel like I've been able to fully process it. You know, but you know, it's been great. This is what I always dreamed of. And so I'm just embracing it all. You played running back, your dad was one of the best running back coaches and offensive coordinator. Do you think a team can win a Super Bowl in today's NFL built around a running back? Yeah. I mean, I joke and I say, you know, it's cute to play, you know, Golden State Warriors football on, you know, October, September. But when those conditions change and you can't throw the ball up and down the yard you better be able to run it and you better be able to defend it. And I think if you look at the teams that are in the playoffs that are still playing at this stage everybody's able to run the ball. So I think, you know, you can win championships that way. How much does your past, your playing experience how much does that help when it comes to painting that picture of a prospect for the Scouts and coaches before they actually see them on film? I think my playing experience just gives a different context, right? In terms of the evaluation, you know, process things I learned, you know, playing with Peyton Manning you guys, you know, Peyton for the Omaha and all those checks and calls but it gives you, you can't just know your spot playing with a guy like that. So you have to know what everybody, you know, is doing. And I think it kind of opens up your eyes when I'm from this vantage point of being a talent evaluator or being able to understand who's making the mistake who's right, who's wrong. And sometimes it kind of helps you, you know paint a better picture of those young men that are playing. How much have you used analytics had the Niners and Graham's front office used analytics in helping you to select players both pro and in the draft? And what do you think about analytics used by your coach? No, we've used analytics a lot in the 49ers in actuality, Koisia Dofomensa who's now the GM in Minnesota. He ran our analytics department a couple years ago. Spent a lot of time with those guys I think it definitely pays apart. You know, we trust our eyes and scouts but sometimes the data can drive you to a decision and help you see it from a different vantage point. So I think there's a place in our game for it. You know, we've talked about it during the interview. I think in the genesis of analytics it was kind of pitting analytics and scouting against each other. And a lot of the things we did in scouting was essentially analytics it just didn't have the title. So it has a part in our game and we're gonna use every tool here to help us build a championship roster. Yeah, the first NFL Accelerator program you get this job, Ian's right here with you. Do you think that's coincidence or was it that helpful? No, I think it's helpful and extremely appreciative to Commissioner Goodell, Jonathan Bean and all those beautiful people at the league office that spearheaded the program. Again, that was my first introduction to this group of people and they embraced the process just being able to be in a room this size with owners and potential GM candidates. They were open to the conversation and my initial conversation with them I guess allowed them to be a little bit more comfortable with me and want to explore the possibilities. So it works, I'm here I think in part because of it. So it works, so it's something that I hope the league continues to use and continue to find a different way to grow it. Is there an individual experience that you had scouting with this 49er group like an individual player that there's a story that you're really proud of that has materialized itself into the current 49ers roster? That one, two things, two stories, quick ones. You'll quickly learn about me, I like to tell stories. And it's not necessarily about myself, right? We talked about analytics earlier. Demetrius Washington, he's the VP of ops for Minnesota. He ran our analytics department after Coisey left. He does his metrics to find all his guys. So he comes to me, he has a running back and he's like, man, my numbers are telling me this is the best outside zone running, running back in the draft. He was like, but I'm not walking in there with Kyle with just this paper to say that, can you watch this guy and see if you can confirm what the tape saw? And I watched the tape, that was my first exposure to the player and I agreed with him and then that player ended up being Elijah Mitchell that we took in the sixth round, which last year if we don't have Elijah, we don't go on the run that we went on. And even added to that story, D'Amico Ryan's, it was his first year as decoordinator and that round, that pick was gonna be his linebacker. And D'Amico, some kind of when he came in the draft room, Elijah's tape was on and he was watching Elijah and he called Johnny Hollin our linebacker coach up and was like, Coise, this running back is better than the linebacker we're gonna pick. And so we shifted from taking a linebacker and took Elijah and it just kind of shows to the collaboration of how that whole operation works. So those are the two that stood out. What is it about the 49ers organization? What did you learn from that? That they've had such success with guys like Mitchell or George Kittle, even Brock Purdy in the late rounds of drafts. So that was one of the things I touched on as well in my interview. Again, it goes back to the word collaboration. You know, that fifth, sixth, seventh round is work of the scouts and it's the work of the assistant coaches. Those guys spending time together, understanding the scheme and finding players, quote, unquote, depth level players that are gonna fit our roster and help fill out the bottom of our roster. So those are the areas where you start to use more of your staff, right? And so us being able in San Francisco to hit on those picks was totally a collaboration of our assistant coaches and our scouts. What you've seen of this team, the identity of the Titans the last few years, what jumps out? And do you feel like that your preference and what you're gonna bring is going to fit that existing identity? What jumps out is how hard and how tough this team is, how hard they play. And I think the team has been made in the image of our head coach. You know, Mike is a tough guy. He works hard. I just almost said something else and I saw my kids sitting there. But I think the team is built in his image and what Mike believes in. And like I said before, you know, our core foundation of football comes from the same tree. And I believe in those. This team's been devastated by him in the last two years. Did you discuss that with Mike and how much do you envision kind of turning over every stone to see what medical department, science and athletics, all of those things tell you about how to maybe limit those as best you can in the violence sport? We talked about it and we're gonna explore every option to figure out how we can keep our guys on the field. But like you said, it's a violent sport. There's not gonna be a perfect way to keep everybody healthy. That's just not possible. But we're gonna explore every option to figure out how we're gonna be able to maximize keeping our guys on the field. What's your policy then or your idea on bringing in guys who are currently injured or have a history of injuries? I mean, obviously you don't wanna hopefully not bring in injured guys, right? You can't get anything out of anyone if they're not available. So our mission is gonna be to put systems in place where we can get guys on the healthier side. But once you kick this thing off, nobody's ever 100% again. So it'll be about maximizing guys with where they are. Rayne, how familiar are you with this roster already and kind of walk us through the process for you the next couple of days or weeks trying to get up to speed with where this team is currently? I have a solid baseline of the team. That's a part of the interview process, right? You can't go in there and try to fake your way through the job because Miss Amy's gonna ask the question and she knows the answer. So I feel good about my knowledge of the roster. But again, that's tape. I don't know the people, you know? And that's where Vraves and I, when we spoke, he was giving me a little insight on the people. So I think that's just as important, because I have a thing, it's not mine. Stolen it from a friend, it's called a 21-3 rule, right? So he's in the NBA. We all have a way of seeing these players as players 24 hours a day, when actually they're only players while they're in your building. So I think it's just as important to know the people just as well as you know the player. So that's the area where with our roster I wanna get to know the people. And I'm gonna make a couple phone calls to a couple guys when I leave from here. And what was your second part, your question? Just what the process is like for you in the next couple of days and weeks, getting up to speed with that currently. Meetings and more meetings. Vraves and I are gonna continue to spend time together, continue to spend time with the scouts. Again, I'm learning their systems and processes right now for the next four months, learning their language. So it's gonna be time on task. So that's gonna be it for the next four months until we find the right process that fits our organization. It's not about what I wanna come in here and do, but the scouts, they're the lifeblood of what we do. So I wanna be able to put something in place that benefits them. And so we're gonna continue to create that over the coming months. Have you had any discussions yet about the offensive coordinator opening and just kind of how involved in that search do you wanna be? You know, like I said, man, I just got here yesterday. Just got hired on Tuesday, you know. I'm here to help Mike in any way that he sees fit. Obviously, Mike has been here. He has a way he wants to do things. And I respect that totally. So wherever I can add value to Mike from that standpoint, I'm here for it. I don't think that matters. Cause I think the word and what we truly believe here is collaborating. I think all that comes down to, in my opinion, is a matter of ego. Mike and I, we're here to work together and we're gonna bring the people in here that we see fit and we're not gonna see it the same way all the time. But he and I will have the mutual respect to be able to work through that and we'll get the right people in here. When you being a former running back and watching Derek Henry throughout these years, specifically the success that he's had in this organization, what are your thoughts on him as a back and now being able to be here with a guy like that? Man, it's crazy. Like, so I've been watching Derek since he was at Uly, you know, high school with Florida boy. So it's, it's crazy to see how I remember Coach Parcells told me one time, running back is a production based position. If you didn't get yards in high school and college, you're not getting them on this level. And if you look at Derek's history, he got yards in high school, he got them in college and he's got them at this level. And, you know, more than anything, I can't wait to stand next to him to size him up, you know, to see, see how big he really is in person. I guess I'm curious who's responsible for you coming up with the blue tie and outfit and all your kids. I know we're in the matching Jays. And what is that, what is that like going from having everybody all in on the Falcons, the Rams, 49ers and now the Titans? So I will give my agent Sean, he's somewhere in here. His pitch to my wife all with Titan blue, find him a Titan blue tie. So I'm not responsible for the tie. My wife found it. The Jays were also her ideas. She FaceTimed me the other day and she was like, what do you think about these? And I saw them in the kid version. So I was like, no, get me some too. I want, you know, I want those too. But again, honestly, man, like it's been, it's been a whirlwind, you know, my two sons that are here, they're all in on football and they spent a lot of time in the locker room. They spent a lot of time around the guys and just being able to share those experiences with them. And, you know, my daughters came up as, you know, Falcons and Rams and 49ers. And, you know, hopefully we're here for a long time and they could officially be, you know, Titans kids. John was executive vice president or vice president with you and Mike clearly defined roles who, and there's some question more for Amy, I guess, but who's in charge of the football operation? Again, I'm gonna beat you guys to death with this word collaboration. That's why I'm here because Ms. Amy sees me as a collaborator. So we're here to collaborate. We're here to build this thing together. I think so many times in our game, we're trying to fit people in the boxes, you know, and that's just, in my mind, that's archaic. You know, we have to create a free flowing environment, you know, and that's not only when Mike and I downstairs, but it's with the people upstairs, you know, too. So it's got to be a free flowing collaborative effort, you know, and I mean, I understand, you know, you got a job to do to, you know, define these things, but we truly, we're truly gonna collaborate. And so I don't think it matters who's over football operations, you know, the kitchen staff or whatever. Our job is to build the best building possible and we're gonna do that. You're coming in. It's been an impression on you, but how about your family? What did that mean to them? Man, it's been crazy, right? So we come in and, you know, the whole world of the Titans was here and just the outpour, you know, of love that we've gotten from just that video alone, from the highest of high, you know, it's been amazing. You know, and again, it's a testament to who this organization is. You know, my family and I, we already feel welcome. We already feel a part of it. And honestly, man, my wife asked me last night, like, how could I try to remain so cool under that environment? But looking up and seeing all those people feeling the applause, that motivated me. You know, that motivated me to wanna work my behind off, you know, for the people of this building, the people of this organization.