The majority of the requested candidates to interview for the Tennessee Titans' vacant head coaching job have been on the defensive side of the ball. The team is finally beginning to prioritize rookie quarterback Cam Ward and his development with their latest request. The Titans plan to speak with former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, according to various reports.
Kingsbury was fired by Commanders head coach Dan Quinn earlier this week. Quinn and Kingsbury allegedly had philosophical disagreements about how to run Washington's offense moving forward. He'll now be among the hottest OC candidates on the market, but will also interview for head coaching gigs, with the Titans being one of his potential lead suitors.
There are ties between Kingsbury and the type offense Ward likes to run at quarterback. That could make him a legitimate candidate for the Titans' head coaching vacancy. The Titans' intention to speak with Kingsbury about the job signals their willingness to prioritize Ward's development.
Report: Titans to interview former Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury for head coaching job
Kingsbury played quarterback at Texas Tech and later served as their head coach for six seasons (2013-18). Eric Morris was his offensive coordinator for four campaigns (2014-17). Morris eventually left Texas Tech to become Incarnate Word's head coach, where, you guessed it, he recruited Ward to be his quarterback.
Kingsbury himself has had success developing young quarterbacks. As the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, he helped Kyler Murray win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Last year in Washington, he helped Jayden Daniels do the same.
It was shocking to see Kingsbury's relationship with Quinn deteriorate so quickly. To think they had disagreements over the offense's approach one year after Daniels enjoyed one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history is almost unfathomable. This year, the Commanders offense struggled while Daniels ran into recurring injury problems.
Kingsbury didn't enjoy consistent success as the Cardinals' head coach. He compiled a disappointing record of 28-37-1 in four campaigns. The Titans should have serious questions for Kingsbury about his ability to lead a locker room, but there's no denying that his offensive approach would be excellent for Ward's development.