The Tennessee Titans suffered their latest embarrassment on Sunday, getting blanked 26-0 in Houston versus the Texans. Head coach Brian Callahan is now 3-18 overall. It feels inevitable that the Titans will continue their annual tradition of rotational coach/GM firings by dismissing Callahan soon, potentially as early as this week.
There are more than enough resources available for proof of Callahan's failures as a head coach. Poor in-game decision making, constant silly penalties, lack of team energy, not knowing fundamental rules of the game; take your pick. The team seems to reach new lows each week.
Of course, thinking of next year before we get to October is... not ideal. However, despite seemingly having the franchise quarterback the Titans have craved for decades and some good young talent around him, it is difficult to see a light at the end of the tunnel with the current leadership structure. With that in mind, let's go ahead and imagine what the future could look like and who might be leading the Nashville-based club into it.
Titans must consider the following candidates after the inevitable firing of HC Brian Callahan
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills OC
Yes, this one is a little obvious. The Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator may not yet be drawing Ben Johnson-level hype, but he is at the top of every list of next-in-line coordinators for head coach jobs. And rightfully so. Brady took over for the fired Ken Dorsey halfway through 2023 season, and the Buffalo offense immediately improved. What's more, it has continued to get better since that point.
It is wise to be wary of giving a coach too much credit for the improvement of a player, but it is undeniable that Josh Allen has gone from a gunslinging, "live by him, die by him" player to a nearly perfect (and perfectly efficient) quarterback on his watch. Perhaps the Titans did not have enough to entice Ben Johnson two years ago, but any offensive-minded coach would have to be excited about the prospect of working with Cam Ward.
Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers DC
Continuing along the chalk path of the list, we find the second name most people will mention when discussing hot coordinators with bright futures. Minter may be somewhat inexperienced as a coordinator, but he has learned from two of the best in the business in both Harbaugh brothers.
While some might prefer an offensive-minded coach as the Titans rebuild around Cam Ward, there is plenty of recent proof of defensive head coaches having success with young quarterbacks. Dan Quinn and DeMeco Ryans have proven that a coach does not need an offensive background to lead a team to success around a young QB.
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers HC
This is most likely just wishful thinking on our part, but if Tomlin's seat in Pittsburgh finally becomes too hot, we will gladly help him move to Nashville. What may have been unthinkable a few years ago is growing more realistic with every passing good-not-great year from the Steelers. A growing number of fans are growing increasingly loud about their desire for change, and the first three games of this season are unlikely to quiet them.
Unfortunately (for us), they don't get to decide, and Steelers ownership is nothing if not patient with their coaches.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings HC
The only coach on our list that fits into both categories of former NFL head coaches and up-and-coming coordinators, Brian Flores has to be an intriguing option. In a short time with Minnesota, his defensive complexity and efficiency is already becoming legendary. However, despite a winning record, he was let go in Miami for a reason, and a head coach with a history of alienating a young quarterback might not be ideal.
Of course, it all might be moot, as hiring a hard-nosed, defensive-minded Belichick disciple would be all but admitting that ownership made a mistake two years ago in firing Mike Vrabel. Billionaires don't like to do that.