The Tennessee Titans moved on from Mike Vrabel earlier this month after back-to-back losing seasons. Fans had a mixed reaction to the firing, and a shortlist of candidates quickly came to light.
Indeed, the Titans decided on Brian Callahan, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. This will be Callahan’s first head coaching gig, but he is the son of legendary coach Bill Callahan and has worked with some of the brightest minds in the game.
Today, let’s go over three reasons why Brian Callahan is the correct hire for the Titans.
Brian Callahan has connections
Brian Callahan is the son of Bill Callahan, who is considered to be one of the best offensive line coaches in the league. The Titans’ offensive line was historically bad in 2023, so adding the veteran coach would be crucial.
Brian’s relationship with his father should also help him adjust to being a first-time head coach. Brian will likely lean on his dad’s connections and build a staff of experienced coaches. Callahan was also a member of some elite offensive coaching staffs in Denver and Cincinnati, so expect some of those coaches to surface in Nashville.
Callahan also happens to have connections with a couple of free agents who should interest the Titans this offseason. Wide receiver Tee Higgins and tackle Jonah Williams are headed for free agency, and Callahan spent several seasons with both guys.
An offensive-minded coach is needed for Will Levis
The Tennessee Titans are banking on Will Levis being the quarterback for a long time. Would you rather put his development in the hands of a defensive coach or an offensive one? Granted, defensive coaches have developed QBs as well, but an offensive-minded HC gives the team two coaches who can help the QB along.
Callahan was instrumental in the development of Joe Burrow, who has blossomed into one of the league’s brightest stars. It’s hard to look at that as anything other than a positive for Callahan’s candidacy.
Callahan will modernize the offense
In 2023, only the Washington Commanders passed the ball more frequently than the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals threw the ball on 63.5% of offensive plays in 2023, while the Tennessee Titans threw on just 55.7% of plays. While Callahan didn’t call the plays, he was instrumental in designing the game plan and was highly respected in Cincinnati.
The Titans have long been a ground-and-pound team that has struggled to adapt to the modern NFL. The team has not scored 30 points in a game in 2 years. Callahan will change that at the helm in Nashville.