The Tennessee Titans decided to move on from head coach Mike Vrabel on Tuesday. Now, the Titans are the 6th NFL team that will be looking for a new head coach this offseason.
Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement where she stressed the need to “innovate and evolve.” The Titans have routinely struggled on the offensive side of the ball during Vrabel’s tenure, so many expect an offensive-minded coach to be hired.
Today, let’s go over 5 potential candidates that could be in play for the head job in Nashville.
Cincinnati Bengals OC Brian Callahan
Even though Callahan doesn’t call the plays in Cincinnati, the coach is still highly thought of in NFL circles. Callahan has overseen the offense while Joe Burrow became an elite quarterback and has helped develop receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
Callahan has never been a head coach, but he is the son of Bill Callahan, who spent time as the head man for the Raiders and Washington. If the Titans are seeking a young, offensive mind, Callahan could be near the top of the list. The coach could also help recruit Higgins to Nashville, as the receiver is set to enter free agency.
Houston Texans OC Bobby Slowik
Slowik will be a hot commodity this offseason after overseeing an explosive Texans offense in 2023. The coach, in his first season as an offensive coordinator, led the Texans to playoffs and helped CJ Stroud have a legendary rookie season.
Slowik makes a ton of sense for Tennessee. For starters, the coach and Titans GM Ran Carthon are familiar with each other from their time in San Francisco. That familiarity could give the Titans an edge over the competition. Slowik is not only a young, bright offensive mind, but hiring the coach would harm a division rival. Could the coach make the leap this quickly? I believe Slowik represents an innovative young mind that could turn the tide in Nashville.
Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson
Johnson is the hottest name in the coaching carousel thus far. The current Lions’ offensive coordinator has overhauled the offense in Detroit and made the unit one of the NFL’s most exciting. In 2023, the Lions finished the regular season with the No. 3 offense in terms of yards per game. That would be a welcomed change to the Titans’ offense.
Johnson is already being scheduled for interviews, so the Titans may have to move fast if they want to secure Johnson’s services. There are rumors that Johnson wants $15M per year, and that may be too rich for the Titans’ blood. Johnson’s approach to offense will be treasured by many teams.
Washington Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy
For now, Bieniemy is still employed by the Washington Commanders. However, Ron Rivera was recently fired and it’s expected that much of the staff will be replaced. Bieniemy is expected to be considered for the head job in Washington,
However, if Bieniemy isn’t hired in Washington, the Titans should be interested. The coach has worked under Andy Reid and helped develop Patrick Mahomes into the star QB he is now. There may not be a better person to mentor Will Levis.
Falcons HC Arthur Smith
Smith spent a decade with the Titans in multiple roles before landing the top job in Atlanta. Smith was responsible for 2 of the best offensive seasons in Titans’ history in 2019 and 2020. The coach has plenty of experience with the front office in Nashville and is highly regarded by ownership.
This may not be the most inspiring hire, but there is something to be said for the familiarity. If Smith is the hire, I would think much emphasis would be placed on the coordinators Smith wants to hire. Smith struggled in Atlanta, but his QB situation was a mess. Perhaps the coach would flourish in a return to Nashville with Levis behind center.