The Tennessee Titans have completed the initial round of interviews for the head coaching position, and the process is expected to pick up pace. With six head coaching vacancies currently available, the Titans face limited competition in their search. However, the composition of the coaching staff under the head coach is deemed nearly as crucial as the head coach’s selection.
Anticipating how a coach will structure their staff is challenging, as it involves more than just assembling a team of prominent names. It revolves around selecting the right combination of coaches with prior experience working alongside the new head coach. Simultaneously, it is essential to incorporate individuals outside the coach’s immediate network based on their coaching prowess.
Having considered various names and potential combinations, there is a discernment of what the optimal scenario might be for the Tennessee Titans.
Head Coach:
The leading candidate for the head coaching position with the Tennessee Titans appears to be a choice between Brian Callahan, the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans.
While there are fans advocating for a consideration of diverse coaching options beyond those with an offensive focus, recent successful coaching hires in the past five years have predominantly been offensive-minded individuals. Figures such as Matt LaFleur, Zac Taylor, Kevin Stefanski, Mike McCarthy, Dan Campbell, Nick Siriani, Doug Pederson, Mike McDaniel, Kevin O’Connell, among others, have significantly improved their respective teams in various ways.
Highlighting examples such as LaFleur’s successful transition with the Green Bay Packers and McDaniel’s impactful schematic approach to quarterback development, it is evident that these offensive-minded coaches have excelled in their roles. Notably, Callahan, despite being the longest-tenured offensive coordinator in the NFL and not directly calling plays, is recognized for the positive impact he has had on his team.
Selecting Callahan as the head coach would offer the Titans an offensive-minded leader who brings stability and longevity, deviating from the trend of coaches departing after short stints if their schemes prove successful. Furthermore, his experience, particularly as the longest-serving offensive coordinator in the league, and the ability to draw upon a network of accomplished coaches, positions him as an elite option for the Tennessee Titans.
Offensive Coordinator:
Liam Coen/Thomas Brown
The decision of whether Liam Coen will be the play-caller will ultimately rest with Brian Callahan. However, it is worth noting that Coen has previous experience calling plays, should that responsibility be assigned to him.
The primary focus of Coen’s role will be collaborating with Callahan and Will Levis to design an offensive strategy that seamlessly incorporates Levis’ strengths demonstrated as a rookie and during his time at Kentucky, aligning with Callahan’s offensive vision.
Both Callahan and Coen are well-versed in the Sean McVay offensive system, which the Bengals, under play-caller Zac Taylor, employ. Coen, having worked with McVay for four years, including as the OC in 2022, brings valuable expertise to the table. This offensive system is also familiar to Levis, who ran it under Coen’s guidance at Kentucky. The shared background makes it conducive for the trio to quickly synchronize their approach.
The inclusion of Thomas Brown’s name is noteworthy due to the Tennessee Titans expressing significant interest in him. Just a year ago, Brown secured a pivotal role with the Carolina Panthers as their OC. Prior to joining the Panthers, he served as the Rams’ coach for running backs and tight ends, concurrently holding the title of assistant head coach.
Considering Brown’s background and the Titans’ keen interest, there is a possibility of him assuming the role of OC, with Coen transitioning to quarterbacks coach/assistant head coach. Alternatively, the arrangement could involve Brown as the tight ends coach/assistant head coach and Coen as the OC.
Regardless of the specific roles, the Titans should actively pursue both individuals, with a preference for Coen given his familiarity with Callahan’s system and his existing rapport with Will Levis.
Key Tennessee Titans Assistant Coaches
Passing Game Coordinator: Charles London
Despite challenges in Tennessee last season, there were instances where the Titans showcased an explosive passing game. However, a notable issue emerged when, following early success, Coach Mike Vrabel tended to adopt an ultra-conservative approach to protect leads.
Charles London, highly regarded for his work with Will Levis in the previous year, is seen as a valuable asset. The idea of having numerous astute offensive coaches on the staff is widely supported. While there is a possibility that London might pursue opportunities elsewhere, the option of appointing Thomas Brown or Liam Coen to this role is viable. Nonetheless, it might be more practical to introduce a new coach with a distinct title rather than persuading someone like London to accept a demotion.
Offensive Line Coach/Assistant Head Coach: Mike Munchak (or Bill Callahan)
The Tennessee Titans face the enviable decision of choosing between two of the most accomplished offensive line coaches in the last three decades.
Bill Callahan, currently serving as the offensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns, poses a challenge as the Titans cannot offer him a lateral position. While the addition of the “assistant head coach” title could be considered, it may not be an appealing prospect for Callahan to potentially disrupt his current coaching commitment.
An alternative option is Mike Munchak, whose consistent success elevated the Titans’ offensive line to one of the league’s best during his tenure. Notably, Munchak achieved this without the Titans investing a first-round pick in an offensive lineman throughout his time as the offensive line coach. His ability to identify and develop talent from Day 3 selections, extracting their maximum potential, has been commendable. Bringing Munchak back to a franchise where he is held in high esteem, with his number retired, would be a remarkable narrative.
Both coaches represent significant upgrades over the Titans’ previous coaching staff under Mike Vrabel, with a slight preference leaning towards Munchak.
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