Who will replace Brian Callahan as Titans head coach?
The Tennessee Titans have made a bold midseason decision, parting ways with head coach Brian Callahan just six games into his second year at the helm. The announcement, made Monday morning, comes as the team continues to struggle under his leadership, managing only one win this season and compiling a disappointing 4–19 overall record since his appointment.
Callahan’s dismissal marks yet another chapter in the Titans’ ongoing rebuild — one that began with optimism but quickly turned sour. The former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator was hired in early 2023 to usher in a new era of offensive innovation and player development. However, the anticipated transformation never materialized. Despite the addition of 2025 first overall draft pick, quarterback Cam Ward, the Titans’ offense remained stagnant, producing just 83 points in six games — the team’s lowest offensive output through six weeks since 1985, according to ESPN Research.
President of football operations Chad Brinker confirmed the decision, emphasizing that it was driven by the organization’s desire to meet a higher competitive standard.
“These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve someone of great character,” Brinker said. “We are grateful for Brian’s investment in the Titans and the Tennessee community. But our players and fans deserve a team that meets the highest expectations, and we have not demonstrated enough growth to justify continued patience.”
The Titans’ offensive woes were compounded by a series of frustrating losses, including a 26–0 shutout by division rivals Houston Texans in Week 4. That defeat, in which Tennessee failed to reach the red zone, intensified fan unrest. Calls for Callahan’s dismissal reached a boiling point during a humiliating 41–20 home loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, where fans at Nissan Stadium loudly chanted, “Fire Callahan!”
Even a narrow 22–21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 — the team’s only win of the season — did little to cool the heat on the embattled coach. The Titans followed it with a lackluster 20–10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, their fourth double-digit defeat of the season, sealing Callahan’s fate.
In a bid to save his job, Callahan had relinquished play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree in September, but the change yielded little improvement. The young offense, led by rookie Cam Ward, has shown flashes of potential but lacked consistency. Ward himself voiced his frustration after the Week 4 loss, bluntly saying, “If we’re keeping it a buck right now, we’re ass.”
Callahan’s short tenure places him among the least successful head coaches in Titans history — only Ken Whisenhunt (3–20) recorded a worse record with the franchise. The move also continues an unusual trend in the NFL: of the last eight quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall, six have seen their head coaches fired during their rookie seasons, including Cam Ward, Caleb Williams (2024, Bears), Bryce Young (2023, Panthers), Trevor Lawrence (2021, Jaguars), Baker Mayfield (2018, Browns), and Jared Goff (2016, Rams).
The Titans have not yet named an interim coach, though speculation is mounting that defensive coordinator Shane Bowen could step in temporarily. Meanwhile, the franchise faces a dramatic twist of fate this Sunday — a reunion with former head coach Mike Vrabel, now leading the New England Patriots (4–2), who will return to Nissan Stadium with his new team firmly in playoff contention.
Brian Callahan’s firing underscores the volatility of coaching in today’s NFL, where results are demanded instantly and patience wears thin quickly. Once seen as a promising offensive mind poised to develop Tennessee’s next franchise quarterback, Callahan now exits as another casualty of unmet expectations.
While his time in Nashville ends prematurely, the 40-year-old coach’s future in the league remains uncertain. Known for his intelligence and rapport with players, he may soon resurface as a top assistant elsewhere. But for now, the Titans’ focus shifts to salvaging their season — and finding a leader capable of turning potential into performance.
FAQs
1. Why did the Tennessee Titans fire Brian Callahan?
The Titans dismissed Brian Callahan due to poor performance and lack of offensive progress, as the team started the season 1–5 with one of the NFL’s lowest-scoring offenses.
2. How long was Brian Callahan head coach of the Titans?
Callahan spent less than two full seasons in charge, compiling a 4–19 record since being hired in 2023.
3. What role did Cam Ward play in Callahan’s firing?
As the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward struggled in an inconsistent offense that failed to score points or sustain drives, increasing pressure on Callahan.
4. Who will replace Brian Callahan as Titans head coach?
The Titans have not yet named an interim coach, but defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is among the likely candidates.
5. How does Callahan’s firing compare to other recent NFL coaching changes?
It continues a pattern — six of the last eight No. 1 overall quarterbacks, including Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, have lost their head coaches during their rookie seasons.
6. What is next for Brian Callahan?
Despite his early exit, Callahan is expected to draw future interest from other NFL teams due to his strong offensive background and previous success as a coordinator.