The most important aspect of the Tennessee Titans' search for their next head coach is finding a candidate who can help develop franchise quarterback Cam Ward. If the Titans are going to return to relevance, it'll be because Ward turned into a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The latest candidate in Mike Borgonzi's head coaching search may be the most well prepared to coach the young quarterback. Jordan Schultz is reporting that the Titans will interview former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel in person next week. McDaniel becomes the 16th candidate to interview for the job.
The Titans are casting an incredibly wide net in their process to appoint Brian Callahan's successor. Borgonzi is interviewing candidates of all different backgrounds and age groups. McDaniel may be the most capable of fully unearthing Ward's potential.
Report: Titans to interview former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel
Some may prefer to see the Titans hire McDaniel as their offensive coordinator. That's extremely unlikely. McDaniel already has a request to interview for the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator vacancy, and he possesses strong ties to the openings in Atlanta and Washington.
The Titans would be unlikely to emerge victorious in the sweepstakes for McDaniel to come coordinate their offense. Hiring McDaniel as head coach would be the surefire way to guarantee his interest in coming to Tennessee. That's probably why he's emerging as a late candidate in Borgonzi's search.
McDaniel went 35-33 in four seasons as the Dolphins' head coach. He helped turn quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into an MVP candidate. The Dolphins scored a second-best 29.2 points per game in 2023, McDaniel's sophomore season in charge.
The Dolphins also lacked toughness and accountability throughout McDaniel's tenure. From late-season losing streaks to postseason no-shows, his abilities as a locker room leader have been questioned. There's no denying McDaniel's expertise as a play designer, but it's fair to question his ability to command.
The Titans are rightfully vetting McDaniel. His offensive brilliance would be phenomenal for Ward's development as a quarterback. The Titans will also ask difficult questions about his leadership abilities during next week's interview.