The Tennessee Titans reportedly have their next head coach, with the team hiring Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan to replace Mike Vrabel.
With Callahan in tow, the next step will be to put a staff together, something that was almost certainly discussed between he and the Titans during the interview process.
While it remains to be seen how all that will play out, we do have some insight into who Callahan and the Titans want for offensive coordinator.
According to Buck Reising of AtoZ Sports Nashville, Tennessee is interested in Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, who was one of three Titans candidates who scored a second interview.
Tennessee is interested in bringing in Brown in the same role to help Callahan implement his system, according to team sources. It is my understanding that Callahan plans to be the Titans play-caller as well as their head coach. Setting up a system like the one in Cincinnati between Callahan and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor will be the objective.
While Callahan did not call the plays in Cincinnati, he is expected to take on that role in Tennessee, which means Brown would have at least a similar role to the one the new Titans head coach had while with the Bengals.
Also per Reising’s article, here’s an explanation of what that role was, as explained by Cincinnati radio analyst and former player, Dave Lapham.
“Make no mistake about it, (Bengals head coach) Zac Taylor calls the plays, but Brian Callahan is a part of the diologue with Zac Taylor on every single play until time doesn’t allow any more debate or conversation about it,” Lapham said. “Then, Zac Taylor will make a decision. Brian Callahan has tremendous input on a play-by-play basis even though he’s not the voice that’s going into the helmet of the quarterback.”
Brown was hired by the Panthers in 2023 and Carolina sported arguably the worst offense in the NFL. However, there’s some important context there.
The Panthers were a total mess in general last season. They had very little talent on offense and rookie quarterback Bryce Young struggled mightily with that group.
Brown took over play-calling duties from former head coach Frank Reich during the season, only to have them taken back after three games. Brown closed out the season as Carolina’s play-caller after Reich was let go.
One thing Brown does have going for him is he comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree after serving under the Los Angeles Rams head coach for three seasons.
Brown was so impressive that he was given the title of assistant head coach after his first year. He also coached running backs and tight ends during his days in Los Angeles.
