It is a new day in Nashville, and there is reason for Tennessee Titans fans to not only be cautiously hopeful, but truly optimistic about the near future. The source of this optimism is due in large part to two new faces in the franchise and one familiar leader who might bring more smiles than scowls in 2025.
Perhaps the most under-the-radar number one overall quarterback in recent history, Cam Ward is already winning over coaches and teammates, as one might expect. Brian Callahan may still have much to prove about his own chops as an NFL head coach, but the uber-talented quarterback of his choice could go a long way in making him look much more competent. New general manager Mike Borgonzi appears to have the self-awareness that was lacking from Titans’ leadership in recent years, and he has embraced the rebuild the right way: building from the inside out to protect and support his shiny new QB.
The Quarterback
Despite the fact that Shedeur Sanders highlights were being shown while he was being selected, Ward seems to understand the assignment early on and has embraced the challenge ahead of him. Per ESPN’s Turron Davenport, those whose job it is to protect the franchise quarterback are already buying what he’s selling.
" Whenever he’s talking, he has a sense of confidence that guys can feel."Titans left tackle, Dan Moore
The man providing the other bookend, last year’s first round pick, JC Latham, seems to have a similar sense of his new franchise QB.
"He has an immense amount of talent, shows up every day with the right attitude to hold himself accountable, and holds himself to a standard that a lot of people can learn from."Titans right tackle, JC Latham
The General Manager
The signing of the former Steeler left tackle may have raised some eyebrows due to the price tag (Four years, $82 million, per Sportrac), but he is a solid, reliable upgrade whose signing effectively fixes two major weaknesses on the roster. Moore’s presence also means Latham can move to his natural position on the right side, and perhaps there he can display the Pro Bowl potential that made him a first rounder. Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler will now join Peter Skoronski and Lloyd Cushenberry inside, and Borgonzi’s strategy to turn around what was one of the worst lines in the league may pay early dividends.
Although there may still be some uncertainty about the power dynamics in Nashville, and the performance on-field will be what truly determines success, it does feel as though Borgonzi's first offseason has gone well. He did not go on playoff-contender-esque spending spree in free agency (as a certain former Titans GM was criticized for), but he strengthened areas of weakness and had a fantastic draft (especially that fourth round).
The Head Coach
While it is much more difficult to judge the performance of a coach than a player, many of the factors fans use to gauge coaching did not look good for Callahan’s team last season. The special teams were horrendous (particularly in kick coverage); the team lacked discipline (tied for the second-most penalties in the league); Tennessee suffered multiple blowouts; and the number one pick was earned by the team’s lack of success.
However, it is difficult for any coach to succeed with discord in the front office, a haphazardly built roster, and a quarterback who often seemed to forget which team he played for. There is a reason why the Titans leadership did not even allow Callahan to leave the building after his in-person interview. His reputation as a quarterback guru is well-deserved, and he has just been given the perfect young talent in Ward to mold at the position.
Although no one is expecting a Super Bowl run this year, the Titans certainly seem to be trending in the right direction. The former zero-star recruit turned number one pick has elite potential at the most important position in major sports; the long-time Chiefs front office member brings championship leadership to Nashville; and the guru that aided the careers of Manning, Stafford, and Burrow has more to work with than ever before as a head coach.
The pieces very well could be in place.