The Tennessee Titans are preparing to officially unveil Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Once the pen is put to paper, attention will quickly shift to Saleh's offensive coordinator hire. Because he's a defensive-minded coach, landing the right candidate to oversee Cam Ward's development is imperative to considering this process a win.
Titans fans were hoping to see the team hire Mike McDaniel, but he chose the same opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers instead. Saleh must now re-center his focus on alternative candidates. Saleh's top option should quickly separate himself from the contenders.
Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has been rumored to be a potential candidate. Daboll is also interviewing for the head coaching vacancy with the Buffalo Bills. Daboll is expected to be the Titans' offensive coordinator if he fails to land the Bills job, according to Dianna Russini.
Titans have an obvious offensive coordinator choice after missing on Mike McDaniel
Daboll interviewed for the Titans' head coaching vacancy before technically losing out to Saleh. He possesses ties to Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, which makes him a strong bet to still land on Saleh's coaching staff. Daboll and Borgonzi worked together in 2012 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saleh's appointment prioritized the Titans' need to rebuild the culture and hold the locker room accountable. His offensive coordinator hire needs to prioritize Ward's development as Tennessee's franchise quarterback. Ward deserves a creative play-caller who possesses a history of working with young quarterbacks.
Daboll would check those boxes. He helped develop a raw Josh Allen into arguably the best quarterback in the NFL during his time as the Bills' offensive coordinator. This past season, Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart regressed following Daboll's midseason firing.
Daboll would represent a huge upgrade over Brian Callahan and Bo Hardegree, the Titans' two play callers throughout 2025. The fact that Ward thrived as a rookie despite such a lackluster coaching environment speaks volumes of his potential.
Saleh apparently presented a thorough developmental plan for Ward during his job interview that won the Titans over, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. Surely that conversation included potential offensive coordinator candidates. With McDaniel no longer available, Daboll is reportedly emerging as the Titans' top target.