Now that the Todd Downing era is over in Nashville, the Tennessee Titans have to start looking for their next offensive coordinator — and it’s possible he’s already on the staff in passing game coordinator, Tim Kelly.
After spending eight seasons with the Houston Texans, including three as the offensive coordinator, Kelly was brought in by the Titans in 2022 to help improve an offense that took a major step back the season prior.
Kelly’s addition didn’t do much, as the Titans regressed even more than the year before, finishing with one of the worst offenses in the NFL. Of course, blaming that on Kelly in any way, shape or form is silly. This offense was going nowhere as long as Downing was at the helm.
We know how much head coach Mike Vrabel likes familiarity and his own guys (he and Kelly coached together in Houston, also), so that has led many to speculate that he’ll be one of the favorites for the job.
My wish for Mike Vrabel, who I expect will promote Tim Kelly: That he look outside for all openings, hire coaches he don’t know who will bring fresh, new thinking to a team that too often stays with the familiar. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) January 9, 2023
The Titans fired OC Todd Downing, a move that's been expected for a while. I'd expect pass-game coordinator Tim Kelly to be a top candidate for the job. Also, Alabama OC Bill O'Brien is very close with Mike Vrabel.
OL coach Keith Carter, DBs coach Anthony Midget were also fired.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 9, 2023
We know Tim Kelly is on the radar for the #Titans OC job now. But, a few other names to look at include:
Former Texans Pep Hamilton (they interviewed him to replace Arthur Smith)
Bills QB coach Joe Brady
Alabama OC Bill O'Brien— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 9, 2023
It’s hard not to agree with this sentiment. Vrabel is a very stubborn guy and tends to stick with who and what he knows. Kelly quailfies as such.
While I don’t dislike Kelly, I agree with PK here 100 percent. Vrabel should at least be looking outside the organization for something new and different rather than simply sticking with someone already on the staff.
Another name that has been thrown around by multiple people is Alabama offensive coordinator and former Texans head coach, Bill O’Brien, who Vrabel served under as a coach in Houston.
O’Brien’s tenure with the Texans was an absolute disaster, both for himself and the franchise. He’s a better offensive coordinator than head coach, but we’ll pass, thanks.
ESPN’s Turron Davenport suggests Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, who had previously interviewed for the job when Arthur Smith departed, and Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach, Joe Brady.
Of the four mentioned above (Kelly, Hamilton, Brady and O’Brien), I say “no” to O’Brien and “meh” to Kelly, while Hamilton and Brady should definitely be given interviews if available.
Of course, this is all speculation and there are sure to be many more names looked at during the process. It’s also possible some of the names on this very early list won’t be among them. Kelly is a lock to get an interview, though.
