Just one year on, the five-time world champions have been transformed, racing to eight consecutive victories that saw Brazil become the first team to qualify for Russia 2018. The Selecao have gone from national disappointments to World Cup favourites.
How has he done it? How has Neymar replicated his club form on the international stage? How did Philippe Coutinho finally become a star for country as well as club? And how did Gabriel Jesus emerge so quickly?
To understand how Tite has totally transformed Brazil in just one year in charge, Brasil Global Tour sat down with the 56-year-old at CBF headquarters in Rio to hear the secrets of his success.
Watch part 1 and part 2 of our exclusive interview below.