The Tennessee Titans were supposed to have some offensive optimism in 2025 with rookie No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward starting for them at quarterback. The results, however, aren't there and the team is headed to making another coaching change in 2026.
With the 20-10 Week 6 loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas that seemed like a winnable game after the team's Week 5 upset of the Cardinals, the Titans dropped their scoring offense average to 13.8 points per game. Only the Browns, with their big QB mess, have been worse in the NFL with 13.7 points per game.
Head coach Brian Callahan, in his second season, has the team to a 4-19 record in his 23 games at the helm. With his strong offensive background from the Bengals and the pedigree of being the son of former Raiders Super Bowl coach Bill Callahan, his short tenure has been a big disappointment.
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Last season was chalked up to not having the guy at QB, which 2024 second-rounder Will Levis wasn't. Now Ward is struggling as a rookie with little support in the way of the offensive line and consistent supporting playmakers.
The Titans don't have the most marquee job in the NFL. Since moving to Tennessee in 1999, they have had two significant tenures, Jeff Fisher (12 total seasons) and Mike Vrabel (6 seasons). But otherwise, Mike Munchak, Ken Whisenhunt and Mike Mularkey combined for only eight season. Callahan's stay is set to be the shortest of them all.
Here's a look at the best replacements for Callahan in 2026, with Ward's future as franchise QB in mind:
Titans' best new coaching candidates
Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator, Commanders (age: 46)
Kingsbury will top this list to replace Callahan for his bang-up work with dual threat Jayden Daniels in Washington. The Titans haven't taken full advantage of Ward's big arm and dynamic athleticism. Kingsbury would do just that for Ward, like he did for Daniels and Kyler Murray in the past.
Josh Grizzard, offensive coordinator, Buccaneers (age: 35)
If John Morton is getting credit for keeping the Lions' offensive mojo going without Ben Johnson, the Grizzard needs a lot more attention for building on the foundation that Liam Coen set. Grizzard's play-calling even without a lot of key offensive skill pieces healthy has helped Baker Mayfield become an MVP candidate.
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Joe Brady, offensive coordinator, Bills (age: 36)
The Titans should look up north to what Brady has done in a couple of seasons working with Josh Allen, helping him win MVP last season. Allen is doing a lot with limited weaponry and Brady has mastered how to use Allen's legs without putting his at durability risk.
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Mike LaFleur, offensive coordinator, Rams (age: 38)
He is the answer for teams looking for the Sean McVay adjacent coach. One cannot ignore how he's help McVay keep the scheme rolling and it should make the Titans feel better to know how well brother Matt has been at coaching and play-calling for the Packers.
Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator, Seahawks (age: 38)
Let's go 5-for-5 in looking at the best rising OCs in the league. Kubiak, whose father Gary won Super Bowls with the Broncos as both coach and backup QB and had a tenure with the Texans, has been crushing it with Sam Darnold making another successful transition into a loaded offense. Kubiak and Ward would be a great working combination.