- The Tennessee Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start to the 2025 season.
- Veteran coach Mike McCoy has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
- The organization is beginning an extensive search for a new head coach at a critical time.
- Potential candidates include experienced former head coaches and promising offensive and defensive coordinators.
The Tennessee Titans organization made the decision to part ways with head coach Brian Callahan after a disastrous 1-5 start to the 2025 season. Callahan never got the Titans in sync, and as president Chad Brinker and general manager Mike Borgonzi pointed out, the team lacked growth under his leadership and a change needed to be made.
In the interim, veteran coach Mike McCoy will attempt to right the ship and get the Titans back on track, but he is unlikely to be the long-term solution for an organization that is in desperate need of stability.
Brinker and Borgonzi will now embark on an extensive search to find their next head coach, which comes at a critical time for the organization, with a young quarterback at the helm and the opening of a new stadium on the horizon. This should be an attractive opening, and there are plenty of candidates who could interest the organization.
Here is a breakdown of 10 candidates who could be on their radar as the process starts.
Kliff Kingsbury – offensive coordinator, Washington Commanders (age : 46)
If the Titans want to look at a coach with previous head coaching experience, Kingsbury should be close to the top of the list. While his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals was a mixed bag, his work with Kyler Murray and now with Jayden Daniels with the Commanders cannot be overlooked. Kingsbury would be an interesting hire, and one that should be able to get the offense on track.
Mike McCarthy – former Dallas Cowboys head coach (age : 61)
Sticking with the former coach route, McCarthy would be an interesting hire. With a wealth of experience, he would have the ability to add a stable presence to the locker room, and one who would bring a successful resume to the table. McCarthy also has a connection to Brinker from their time with the Green Bay Packers, so his track record and coaching style are already known.
Joe Brady – offensive coordinator, Buffalo Bills (age : 36)
If the Titans decide to look at another young coordinator type, Brady should be near the top of the list. Brady has done wonders in developing Josh Allen for the Bills, and has coordinated one of the more dynamic attacks in the NFL.
Mike Kafka – offensive coordinator, New York Giants (age : 38)
Kafka is an interesting candidate and one who could be in the mix. His work with the Giants is well known, and his previous history with Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid could put him on the Titans’ radar with Borgonzi sitting as general manager. Kafka is one of the top prospects within the NFL’s diversity coaching initiative and could be an attractive option. Plus, his work with rookie Jackson Dart cannot be overlooked.
Jesse Minter – defensive coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers (age : 42)
If the Titans want to look at a defensive-minded head coach who is on the rise, Minter is that guy. Minter came to the Chargers in 2024 along with head coach Jim Harbaugh from Michigan, and in a short time built one of the toughest units in the league. A defensive-minded head coach could be an interesting direction that could be just what the Titans neeed to get back on track.
Brian Flores – defensive coordinator, Minnesota Vikings (age : 44)
Continuing with the defensive theme, Flores could be an option. A former NFL head coach with the Miami Dolphins, Flores is known for an attacking style of defense, and his units consistently rank near the top of the league. Since his time with Miami came to an end, he has worked in Minnesota and in Pittsburgh with Mike Tomlin, who believes he is ready to take control of another franchise.
Matt Nagy – offensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs (age : 47)
This is an easy connection to see. General manager Mike Borgonzi is familiar with Nagy from his days in Kansas City and his work with Patrick Mahomes and the offense. Nagy did have some success in Chicago as the head man, but it was inconsistent at best. Now back with Andy Reid, Nagy appears poised to receive a second shot to be a head coach.
Arthur Smith – offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers (age : 43)
Smith would be another former head coach who could be primed for another run at the top. Smith is extremely familiar with Nashville and the Titans, and was their offensive coordinator for two seasons, and did a masterful job with the offense. Smith struggled to find a quarterback during his time in Atlanta, but has proven that when he has a quarterback that can play at a high level, his units can win.
Todd Monken – offensive coordinator, Baltimore Ravens (age : 59)
Monken could be an under-the-radar name that could pay dividends. Experienced in both college and the NFL, Monken is known for high-powered offenses that adapt to his players and their skill sets. With Cam Ward in place, Monken may be willing to take on a new challenge and help transform the Titans’ offense into something special like he has done with the Ravens’ dynamic attack.
Marcus Freeman – head coach, Notre Dame (age : 39)
College coaches transitioning into the NFL can be challenging, but Freeman could be the man to make the transition. His experience at rebuilding Notre Dame is unlike any college job, and he has done it using NFL-style fundamentals with an NFL-heavy coaching staff. Freeman may be a dark-horse candidate, but he is one that should be monitored if the Titans decide to look toward the college ranks for their next head man.