While the Tennessee Titans didn’t make the change at offensive coordinator that many fans were hoping for, they did at least make an addition to the offensive side of the ball with new passing game coordinator, Tim Kelly.
Tennessee took a major step back offensively in 2021 after performing as one of the elite units in the NFL the two years prior. There was a lot that went into that issue, including the poor play-calling of Todd Downing.
Kelly, a former offensive coordinator with the Houston Texans, figures to have an advisory role similar to what Jim Schwartz has with the defense.
However, when asked about more details of Kelly’s role, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that is something the team is still figuring out, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“I hadn’t had a role like that until last year, and Jim Schwartz and I had multiple conversations and I decided to add that role on defense,” Vrabel said. “And that was something that I know helped us, not only during the week, but also on game day, someone that has had experience that wasn’t looking for some sort of credit, that didn’t have an agenda.
“When that person, the right person, became available in Tim Kelly we were able to make it work. So I think we’re still trying to define what that (job description) is – right now there’s conversations between me and Todd and Tim and (offensive line coach) Keith (Carter) as we watch through our offseason and the coaching staff and what we may want to add, and we’ll see where things progress during the season and what area or focus he may concentrate on.”
Clearly Vrabel believes Schwartz helped, and the proof is in the pudding after Tennessee experienced a major turnaround on defense. Chances are those results played a huge part in bringing Kelly in.
Now, the Titans will hope the offense can take a similar step forward with the help of Kelly, but being able to do so will still have a lot to do with Downing and Ryan Tannehill simply being better than they were last season.
