The Brian Callahan era in Tennessee has officially come to an abrupt end. The Tennessee Titans announced on October 13 that they are parting ways with their 41-year-old head coach midway through his second season. What began with optimism and a promise of modernizing the team’s offense has ended in frustration, as the Titans stumbled to a 4-19 record under Callahan — one of the lowest winning percentages in franchise history.
A Short-Lived Experiment Ends in Disappointment
Hired in January 2024 to replace Mike Vrabel, Callahan arrived in Nashville with a reputation as an offensive innovator and a quarterback developer. His hiring was meant to usher in a new era for the Titans, built around young talents like Will Levis and No. 1 draft pick Cam Ward. However, the optimism quickly evaporated as the team failed to translate promise into production.
The Titans ranked near the bottom of the NFL in total offense, scoring, and passing efficiency during Callahan’s tenure. Despite an aggressive offseason that saw the franchise spend over $250 million on players like Calvin Ridley, L’Jarius Sneed, Tony Pollard, and Lloyd Cushenberry III, the results never matched expectations.
After an 0-3 start to the 2024 season and a string of blowout losses to contenders like Detroit and Buffalo, it became clear that the Titans’ rebuild was off course. Even a brief spark late in the year — highlighted by a comeback win over the Houston Texans — wasn’t enough to reverse the tide.
From Hope to Frustration
Entering 2025, Callahan was given one last chance to right the ship. The Titans selected Cam Ward with the top pick in the draft and added key veterans, including Tyler Lockett and Kevin Zeitler, to support him. Yet, the early part of the season looked eerily familiar: a struggling offensive line, lackluster play-calling, and mounting fan frustration.
The low point came in Week 4, when the Titans were shut out 26-0 by the Houston Texans — their first scoreless game since 2019. That performance sealed Callahan’s fate, leading owner Amy Adams Strunk to pull the plug before the season could spiral further.
What Went Wrong
While Callahan emphasized discipline and togetherness, the Titans remained plagued by penalties, poor offensive execution, and questionable in-game decisions. His vision for a fast-paced, efficient attack never materialized, and the team’s inability to finish games became a recurring theme.
General manager Ran Carthon, who had hand-picked Callahan, was also let go earlier in 2025, replaced by former Chiefs executive Mike Borgonzi. The leadership overhaul signals a complete reset for the Titans — one aimed at rebuilding both culture and competitiveness.
Who Could Replace Callahan?
Early candidates to replace Callahan include Joe Brady (Bills offensive coordinator), Todd Monken (Ravens), and Jesse Minter (Chargers). The Titans may also consider giving former head coaches like Brian Flores, Kliff Kingsbury, or Arthur Smith another shot at the top job.
Under NFL hiring rules, Tennessee can begin interviewing out-of-league candidates immediately and must comply with the Rooney Rule, ensuring at least two minority interviews for the position.
