Just weeks after the Tennessee Titans fired former head coach Brian Callahan, rumored replacement candidates have already started to pop up. Listed coaches have ranged from household names to up-and-coming coordinators.
The Titans have to get this hire right. An incorrect decision could set this franchise back years, potentially ruining quarterback Cam Ward before his career even has a chance to get going. The next head coach in Tennessee needs to be able to support the young QB. It should be the most important factor in the decision, more than experience as a head coach or familiarity with those already in the building.
Arthur Smith, one of the rumored candidates, doesn't fit the bill.
Titans could make a big mistake by hiring Arthur Smith
While plenty of coaches have been mentioned as potential replacements for Callahan, only a few names have been listed as likely candidates. Among them is current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. While he brings valuable experience to the table, hiring Smith would be a mistake for the Titans. But it's not because of flaws in his scheme or an inability to lead a team; it's his incongruence with Ward.
Ward has plenty of strengths as a quarterback, but he was drafted first overall because of his ability to be creative with the ball in his hands. At Miami, he consistently improvised his way to electric plays. He thrives when the offensive formation is spread out, giving him room to work with.
Smith's system is completely different. The Steelers OC bases his offense on under-center runs and play action passes. His scheme is heavily dependent on timing, pushing his quarterbacks to operate within the structure of the play.
While Ward has the arm strength and intelligence to perform well in that kind of system, his biggest strengths would be covered up by the rigid structure of Smith's offense.
Even worse, Smith has a track record of failing to develop young quarterbacks. When he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, he wasn't able to support Desmond Ridder's development. Ridder isn't the player Ward is, but his career quickly flamed out under Smith.
Instead, the Titans should take this time to evaluate the top offensive play callers in the league, seeing how they would match up with Ward's strengths and help cover up his weaknesses. They can't afford to fail in their development of their franchise quarterback.