Tennessee Titans Should Take a Hard Look at Eagles’ John DeFilippo

The Tennessee Titans must be patient and wait to interview the best offensive coordinator candidate on the market: John DeFilippo.

Tennessee Titans HC Mike Vrabel has made it clear that the progression of QB Marcus Mariota is a top priority. By committing to that notion, Vrabel must bring in an offensive coordinator that will get the most out of Mariota and the Titans offense. Philadelphia Eagles Quarterbacks Coach John DeFilippo could be the perfect man for the job.

DeFilippo may not be a household name to most, but he is greatly appreciated by Philadelphia and their fans. He is the QB coach for the Eagles and has helped progress Carson Wentz into a potential MVP candidate. Here are the reasons why “Coach Flip” could be a perfect fit for the Titans.

Quarterback Development Skills

As soon as Mike Vrabel came to power, he did not waste any time firing Mike Mularkey’s old staff. OC Terry Robiskie’s controversial play-calling was definitely a factor in Marcus Mariota’s regression, and his offensive philosophies did not match up with the skill set of his young quarterback.

John DeFilippo has proven as a coach that he can fully maximize the potential of his quarterbacks. Two years ago, Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz came from a small school college at North Dakota State University. In only his second year in the NFL, he led his team to an 11-2 record before tearing his ACL. DeFilippo has taught Wentz how to read defenses, make pre-snap reads, make reads during the play, make adjustments based on what coverage the defense is in, and where the ball should be thrown in what situations. Now that the mental part of the game comes easier thanks to his position coach, Wentz plays with confidence and lets his natural athletic ability take over. DeFilippo also coached QB Derek Carr in his rookie season with the Raiders.

Mariota could use the burst of confidence and teaching that Defilippo gives his quarterback pupils.

High Football Knowledge

Tennessee Titans

John DeFilippo has an incredible knowledge of route combinations and what works in the NFL. Titan Sized co-editor Matias Wodner previously wrote an article here that talked about DeFilippo, and shared a great video of him in the film room discussing play-calling in red zone situations. It is clear that DeFilippo’s high energy and understanding of the game is something Mike Vrabel would love to bring to his staff, and is something that would bode very well for Marcus Mariota.

Is He Worth the Wait?

In order to bring in DeFilippo onto the staff, the Titans will have to wait until after the Super Bowl is over until they can interview him. If the Titans wait on their decision until that time, other offensive coordinator candidates possibly won’t be available. Tennessee must interview a variety of candidates before the Super Bowl and decide if one fits the mold of what they are trying to do.

John DeFilippo is a talented young coach in the NFL, and he could showcase his play-calling knowledge in an offensive coordinator role with the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has a promising young quarterback in Marcus Mariota, two bookend tackles, a bruising back in Derrick Henry, one of the league’s best tight ends in Delanie Walker, and a former #5 overall pick at wide receiver from just a year ago in Corey Davis. Similarly to what he did in Philadelphia, DeFilippo could connect the pieces to the puzzle in the Titans offense. Mike Vrabel and Jon Robinson must find the best man available for the offensive coordinator position, and the quarterbacks coach from Philadelphia could be the exact guy they’re looking for.