A few weeks after the Tennessee Titans fired Mike Vrabel at the conclusion of the 2023 season, they reportedly have their new head coach in Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator, Brian Callahan.
At the outset of the search, the vast majority of Titans fans and media were yearning for an offensive-minded head coach for a few reasons.
For starters, the Titans desperately needed to go in a different direction after six years of Vrabel, who was more of an old school, defensive-minded coach. And, of course, the presence of a promising young quarterback in Will Levis was another major reason.
Thankfully, the Titans were on the same page with that thought process and hired a head coach who is a great fit, and not just simply because he has an offensive background.
We’ll talk about why Callahan is a great fit and much more as we take a look at six things to know about the new Titans head coach.
What was his role in Cincinnati?
Here’s an explanation of what Callahan did in Cincinnati, according to Cincinnati radio analyst and former Bengals offensive lineman Dave Lapham, via Buck Reising of AtoZ Sports Nashville.
“Make no mistake about it, (Bengals head coach) Zac Taylor calls the plays, but Brian Callahan is a part of the diologue with Zac Taylor on every single play until time doesn’t allow any more debate or conversation about it,” Lapham said. “Then, Zac Taylor will make a decision. Brian Callahan has tremendous input on a play-by-play basis even though he’s not the voice that’s going into the helmet of the quarterback.”
It’s clear the Bengals used a collaborative approach with their offense, something that fits perfectly with the direction the Titans want to go.
Here’s more information on Callahan’s role in Cincy, per Joe Goodberry of Bengals on the Brain:
He’s a good, down to earth guy. Easy to talk to. Open minded. Grew up in a coaching household. Has worked with great QBs. Sees the game from their perspective. Has helped this offense transform multiple times and figure out their own weaknesses to become their strengths. They’ve scrapped their entire run games and rebuilt them on the fly. They’ve scraped half of their playbook when they under-center stuff wasn’t working. They took much of the LSU offense for Burrow during the truncated offseason and got early results. They’ve morphed through each season to fit their roster and what defenses have done to take away their best plays. They’ve routinely showed the ability to be a completely different type of offense depending on the opponent. The players love him. He understands them and knows what to do to reset them and get everyone on board again. He’s not the play caller, but everyone has a hand in what Taylor calls on Sunday. From game planning, building the offense, the playbook and the adjustments. He’s the one leading that charge.
Callahan expected to call plays
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Callahan is expected to call the plays in Tennessee.
From @gmfb: More on the #Titans getting top target Brian Callahan as head coach, plus the latest on Mark Andrews and Deebo Samuel as championship week begins. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/GoZovrRw43
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 23, 2024
That’s significant because now the Titans can’t have their play-caller poached if the offense has a good season. That happened twice to Mike Vrabel with Arthur Smith and Matt LaFleur.
Callahan's dad is a great OL coach
One coaching staff position that will be closely watched is offensive line coach after the Titans sported one of the worst units in the NFL last season, which will force them into a total rebuild of the line in 2024.
Callahan already has an offensive line coach in his family tree, though, as his dad, Bill, is one of the best in the business. The hope has been that dad will join his son in Nashville.
However, Bill is currently under contract with the Cleveland Browns, so even if he wants to coach with his son, the Browns would have to allow him out of his contract.
Correction. Tagging asst HC or pass game/run game coordinator isn't what is considered a bona fied promotion that would prevent a team from blocking a coach to leave. If the #Titans want Bill Callahan, they'll have to get the Browns' blessing to allow him to leave. https://t.co/OANmygEmDz
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 23, 2024
An impressive list of QBs
One of the most important things for the Titans to consider when hiring a new head coach was the presence of promising young quarterback, Will Levis.
Not only does Callahan have a history of working with quarterbacks both young and old, he’s had success with them, also.
After serving as an offensive assistant with the Denver Broncos, where he worked with Peyton Manning, Callahan took on the role of quarterbacks coach with both the Detroit Lions and then-Oakland Raiders, where he coached Matthew Stafford and Derek Carr, respectively.
Over his five years in Cincinnati, Callahan aided in the development of former No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow, and he had a hand in the success former UDFA Jake Browning had in 2023 after Burrow got hurt.
High praise from his former QBs
Speaking of Manning, Stafford and Burrow, all three had high praise for the new Titans head coach after working with him over the years, according to The Athletic’s Dan Pompei.
Manning: “He’s got fire in him, and at the same time, Cally is in control. It’s the perfect mix. He’s got a great demeanor for a quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator or head coach in my opinion.”
Stafford: “He is comfortable with himself and he knows the game. I think the sky’s the limit for him.”
Burrow: “When his opportunity comes, I know he’ll make the most of it and be a great head coach for a long time.”
An early favorite for offensive coordinator
According to Buck Reising of AtoZ Sports Nashville, Callahan and the Titans are interested in hiring Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown for the same role.
Before you get caught up in Brown being the play-caller for the league’s worst offense in 2023, here’s what we wrote on him earlier to add some context to that situation.
The Panthers were a total mess in general last season. They had very little talent on offense and rookie quarterback Bryce Young struggled mightily with that group.
Brown took over play-calling duties from former head coach Frank Reich during the season, only to have them taken back after three games. Brown closed out the season as Carolina’s play-caller after Reich was let go.
One thing Brown does have going for him is he comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree after serving under the Los Angeles Rams head coach for three seasons.
Brown was so impressive that he was given the title of assistant head coach after his first year. He also coached running backs and tight ends during his days in Los Angeles.
With Callahan set to call the plays, Brown would take on a role similar to the one the new Titans head coach had in Cincy.
