The Tennessee Titans knew that rookie quarterback Cam Ward was a gunslinger when they drafted him. There was always going to be less of that hero-ball in the NFL, but over the past few weeks, the coaching staff has forced Ward to keep the training wheels on.
While this has made Ward more efficient and less volatile, it has also led him to play a more boring style of football. Of course, this only applies to Ward in the structure of a play; he has continued to make some magical highlight plays when things break down or go off script.
However, the Titans' ownership and Chad Brinker (their advocate) have to be appalled by what they see. Being bad was something everyone expected, but being boring and rapidly losing the little fan interest they had was unexpected.
Titans' next head coach must embrace Cam Ward's aggressive mindset
This next coaching hire will decide whether one of the most exciting, young quarterback prospects turns into must-see TV or if he gets pushed into the Bryce Young, Michael Penix pile of quarterbacks.
Last time, the Titans hired Brian Callahan, a supposedly intelligent Xs and Os coach. Callahan ended up lacking the leadership qualities and aggressive mentality needed to motivate the team. The Titans will probably try to find a coach on the opposite end of the spectrum this time around, so you can imagine the type of coach they are searching for.
The Titans need a fiery coach who is an aggressive play-caller, so the anti Mike McCoy. Someone who is willing to surround Ward with the help he needs while also showing a willingness to put the ball in his hands. Notice the phrasing there because it is important. Too many times, the Titans have had coaches whose goal was to "not lose" the game instead of coaches who want to take actions to try "to go win" a game.
Successful coaches like Dan Campbell, Nick Sirianni, and Shane Steichen aren't afraid to turn the ball over on downs sometimes because they know that you win games by scoring touchdowns, not field goals.
While retaining special teams legend Bones Fassel is a must for the next Titans coach, the team's overreliance on kicking field goals has to stop. Calling plays with the intention of settling for 25-yard field goals on 4th-and-1 are pathetic decisions.
The Titans are just over a month away from potentially securing the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Borgonzi is also equipped with the most cap space in the NFL, laeving him with limitless potential for wheeling and dealing this offseason. The type of coach the Titans are looking for should see them as a team ripe for immediate massive change and improvement, and they shouldn't settle for anything less.