The fate of the Tennessee Titans over the next half-decade is tied to the success of rookie quarterback Cam Ward. If he becomes a quality starter, this franchise could rise from the ashes to become competent once again. If not, fans could be doomed to endure another rebuild cycle.
With that in mind, the team's search for a new head coach becomes even more crucial. While some of the top options are current defensive coordinators, the best fit for Ward would be an offensive-minded coach. If the team isn't built to support him, he may fall short.
That's why current Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is worth considering. He could be the top offensive coach on the market this offseason. With an impressive showing in Buffalo's Week 15 win over the New England Patriots, Brady is quietly moving himself up the list of preferred candidates for the Titans' open position.
Joe Brady shows Titans why he's the perfect coach for Cam Ward in Week 15
Brady had a bit of a shaky start to the season. After helping lead the Bills through a dominant 2024 campaign, his offense seemed to falter early on. As a result, he wasn't exactly a prized option when the Titans fired Brian Callahan earlier this season. But in recent weeks, he's re-established himself as one of the best young offensive coordinators in football.
His offense put on a show in a critical Week 15 matchup against the Patriots. Buffalo put up 35 points, and Josh Allen put together another electric performance. In such a highly anticipated game, Brady was excellent.
Allen is certainly the kind of quarterback who can make his coordinator look like a genius. And, as the New York Giants learned from Brian Daboll, it doesn't always work out to bet on the MVP's play caller. But Brady has shown some qualities that make him a good fit for Ward.
Especially in the last two years, the young coach has put an emphasis on winning in the trenches. He has helped build an underrated offensive line and a running game that can be the engine of his offense when needed. That kind of focus could take some pressure off Ward as he develops.
When the game is on the line, Brady doesn't try to contain his quarterback's creativity. He often gets Allen on the move, letting him make plays outside of the pocket. That same positioning could let Ward's ability to improvise shine.
Brady may not be the most qualified coaching candidate available in the offseason, but he could be the best fit for Ward. The Titans will have to weigh just how much that matters in their search.