Introduction: A Necessary Reckoning

The decision, when it came on October 13, 2025, was less a shock and more an inevitable conclusion. By dismissing Head Coach Brian Callahan, the Tennessee Titans made a public admission. It showcased a catastrophic failure in strategy and execution.¹ The official statement from President of Football Operations Chad Brinker was clinical. Yet it was damning: “we have not demonstrated sufficient growth”.¹ That single phrase served as the epitaph for a tenure not defined by progress. Instead, it represented a precipitous decline. This decline threatened the very foundation of the franchise’s future.

This coaching search, however, is not merely about replacing a leader who fell short. It is a franchise-altering quest centered entirely on one player: Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.² Callahan was an offensive-minded coach. He was hired specifically to mold a young quarterback. He was fired because the organization concluded his guidance was actively detrimental to their most valuable asset. The search for his successor is therefore a high-stakes referendum on the team’s direction. The Titans are not just hiring a head coach. They are selecting the architect and mentor for the Cam Ward era. Their choice will determine if the immense promise of a top draft pick is realized. It will also set the trajectory for the franchise for the next decade.

Section 1: Anatomy of a Collapse: Deconstructing the 4-19 Callahan Tenure

The “lack of growth” cited by the front office was not a subjective feeling but a quantifiable, historically significant failure. A detailed analysis of the team’s performance under Callahan reveals a complete collapse. It was so severe that it forced the organization to abandon its stated commitment to patience.

The Statistical Indictment

Brian Callahan’s tenure concluded with a 4-19 record, including a disastrous 1-5 start to the 2025 season. This mark stands as the worst coaching record for the Titans/Houston Oilers franchise since Ken Whisenhunt’s 3-20 campaign. It cements its place in organizational infamy.¹

The on-field product in 2025 was a portrait of futility. In the first eight games of the season, the team struggled to a 1-7 record. During this period, the offense was statistically the worst in the National Football League.² The unit ranked:

• 31st in passing yards per game (168.4).⁶
• 32nd in rushing yards per game (80.4).⁶
• 32nd in third-down conversion percentage (29.9%).⁶

A deeper dive into the numbers reveals an even grimmer picture. The offense managed only 9 total touchdowns while surrendering 28 to opponents. It posted a turnover ratio of -5 and an anemic 4.0 yards per play, a stark contrast to the 5.8 yards per play gained by their opponents.⁵ The offensive line, a unit of significant investment, crumbled under pressure. It allowed a staggering 34 sacks. Meanwhile, the team’s defense generated just 16.⁵ This decline wasn’t temporary. It continued from the 2024 season. During that season, the team finished 3-14 and ranked 27th in points scored.⁸

The Strategic Failures

The statistical collapse was a direct result of a fractured and ineffective offensive vision. An early sign of trouble emerged after an 0-3 start to the 2025 season. Callahan delegated play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree. This was a clear vote of no confidence in his own system.⁴ The fundamental failure of the Callahan era was his inability to construct a functional offense around Cam Ward. People expected him to replicate the success he had in Cincinnati with Joe Burrow. However, he never achieved that success. Instead, the scheme seemed to stifle the rookie quarterback’s talents. It did not elevate them.⁹

This dysfunction reached a symbolic nadir in Week 7. Former head coach Mike Vrabel has taken the helm of the New England Patriots. He returned to Nissan Stadium and orchestrated a decisive 31-13 victory over his old team.¹ The game served as a painful reminder of the team’s recent past. This past was defined by a clear identity and competitive toughness. It also highlighted the rudderless state of the current regime.

The decision to fire Callahan mid-season reveals a critical truth about the organization’s priorities. This action was taken despite the front office’s public statements about “a patient and strategic plan.”¹ The new leadership includes executives from methodical organizations like the Green Bay Packers. Executives from the Kansas City Chiefs are also part of it. They value process above all.¹¹ Firing a coach just 23 games into his tenure seems rushed. He was hired to oversee a rebuild. This action seems to contradict the very notion of patience.¹ However, the data showed that the coaching process was not just yielding poor results; it was fundamentally broken. The offensive scheme and coaching were actively harming the development of their number one pick. The firing, therefore, was not an impatient reaction to a 1-5 record. It was a calculated, strategic intervention to prevent long-term, irreparable damage to their franchise quarterback. The front office sacrificed the appearance of short-term stability to protect its most critical long-term investment.

Section 2: The New Front Office: Deciphering the Brinker-Borgonzi Vision

To understand the direction of the coaching search, one must first understand the architects leading it. The Tennessee Titans now have a new-look front office. They bring a clear, modern vision for team-building. This vision will heavily influence the type of coach they hire.

Architect 1: Chad Brinker, President of Football Operations

Chad Brinker sits at the top of the football hierarchy, reporting directly to controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk.¹⁴ Promoted from Assistant General Manager in 2024, Brinker holds executive oversight for the entire football staff. His tenure has been marked by a progressive approach. This includes a complete overhaul of the team’s analytics department. He also led the 2025 general manager search that culminated in the hiring of Mike Borgonzi.¹⁵ Brinker’s philosophy stems from his 13 years with the Green Bay Packers. The organization is renowned for its stability. It follows a draft-and-develop strategy and achieves success through a process-driven approach.¹²

Architect 2: Mike Borgonzi, General Manager

Hired in 2025, Mike Borgonzi brings a resume defined by his time with the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs.² His experience contributing to a perennial Super Bowl contender informs his approach to personnel evaluation and roster construction. Borgonzi has quickly assembled a front office that blends experience with fresh perspectives. He has brought in seasoned executives like former Raiders GMs Dave Ziegler and Reggie McKenzie into senior advisory roles. At the same time, he is promoting from within.¹¹

The Combined Philosophy

The fusion of Brinker’s “Packer Way” and Borgonzi’s “Chiefs Way” has produced a highly specialized and collaborative front office structure. The organization now features dedicated departments for Football Research and Development. This department is led by Sarah Bailey. They also have a dedicated department for Football Strategy. This department is led by Scott Cohen.¹⁴ This structure signals a commitment to a data-informed, analytical approach to every facet of football operations. Brinker and Borgonzi will lead what they have described as an “extremely calculated process”. They intend to find their next coach by forgoing an outside search firm. This decision is a clear display of a unified internal vision.¹⁷

This front office is intricate and corporate-style. It is a deliberate move away from the traditional, coach-centric model. This approach defined the Mike Vrabel era. The previous regime’s success was tied to a strong, singular leader who was the face and identity of the team. Its subsequent collapse has prompted a philosophical shift. The new structure has a President of Football Operations, a GM, a Senior Advisor, and directors of Strategy and R&D. This change implies that major strategic decisions are now made from the top. ¹⁴ The head coach is no longer the system itself; they are a critical component within a larger, organization-led system. This fundamentally changes the profile of the ideal candidate. The Titans are not looking for an autocrat who demands total control. They are looking for a master collaborator. They need an expert implementer who embraces analytics. They also want a leader comfortable executing a shared vision. In this new Titans structure, schematic flexibility is crucial. A developmental mindset is more valuable than a rigid, pre-defined personal system.

Section 3: The State of the Titans: An Audit of the 2025 Roster

The next head coach will inherit a roster with a clear cornerstone. There are foundational pieces on defense. However, there are significant questions on offense. The success of their tenure will depend on their ability to maximize the former and mitigate the latter.

The Cornerstone: QB Cam Ward

The entire organizational chart is built around the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 draft.² The 2025 season was always intended to be about growth, not wins. Ward was given the “keys to the Titans franchise” from day one.⁹ His skill set is the most important factor in the coaching search. Ward is a quarterback with a big arm and dynamic athleticism. His greatest strengths are his creativity and ability to improvise when a play breaks down. He excels particularly when operating out of spread formations.⁹ The next coach’s primary task is to build a system that unleashes these traits.

Offensive Arsenal

• Running Backs: The backfield is a position of relative strength. It features a solid one-two punch of veteran Tony Pollard (424 rushing yards, 2 TDs). The more explosive Tyjae Spears contributes as well (126 rushing yards, 1 TD on just 23 carries).⁷
• Receiving Corps: This unit is a work in progress. Veteran Calvin Ridley leads the group in yardage (290). Rookie Elic Ayomanor has been the primary touchdown threat with 2 TDs.⁶ The group, which also includes rookie Chimere Dike and veteran Van Jefferson, lacks a true, dominant No. 1 option.⁹ Tight end Chig Okonkwo is a reliable target. He leads the team with 27 receptions. However, he has yet to find the end zone.⁷
• Offensive Line: Built to be a strength. The line features high draft picks in left guard Peter Skoronski (2023 first-round) and right tackle JC Latham (2024 second-year). There are also veteran free agent acquisitions Lloyd Cushenberry III at center and Kevin Zeitler at right guard.¹⁹ Despite the investment, the unit has underperformed, allowing 34 sacks through eight games.⁵

Defensive Foundation

• Defensive Line: The undisputed strength of the team is its interior defensive line. All-Pro Jeffery Simmons, 4.5 sacks, and massive second-year nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, 2 sacks, form a duo. They are designed to “collapse the pocket”. Their goal is to disrupt opposing offenses from the inside out.⁷
• Linebackers: This is a young, developing unit led by second-year player Cedric Gray, who paces the team with 75 tackles.⁷
• Secondary: The defensive backfield is a unit in transition. This reality is underscored by the mid-season trade of starting cornerback Roger McCreary.²¹ It currently relies on veteran safeties Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods to provide stability.

The following table provides a strategic overview of the roster the new coach will inherit. It assesses key assets and identifies critical needs. This evaluation helps to better determine candidate fits.

Position	Key Player(s)	2025 Performance Grade	Strategic Assessment	Implications for Coaching Search
Quarterback	Cam Ward (R)	C-	Franchise Cornerstone; Top Priority	The next coach must have a proven track record of developing young and mobile QBs. They need a flexible offensive system that plays to his improvisational strengths.
Offensive Line	P. Skoronski, JC Latham, L. Cushenberry III	D+	High-Investment Unit; Underperforming	Requires a coach with a clear schematic vision (zone vs. gap) and a top-tier OL coach to maximize talent and protect the franchise QB.
Wide Receiver	C. Ridley, E. Ayomanor (R), C. Dike (R)	C	Developing Pieces; Critical Need	A coach known for creative passing concepts and developing young receivers is highly desirable to elevate this group.
Defensive Line	Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat	A-	Blue-Chip Asset; Team Strength	The new coach will inherit a dominant interior. This interior can anchor the defense. This allows for flexibility in scheme and personnel elsewhere.
Secondary	Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods	C	Veteran Presence; Critical Need	Key players have departed, creating a need for a coach with a strong defensive philosophy. The coach must also quickly develop young defensive backs.

Section 4: The Contenders: A Deep Dive into the Titans’ Coaching Shortlist

The search for Brian Callahan’s replacement will be a calculated process. Brinker and Borgonzi will lead this process. They will focus on candidates who fit their collaborative vision. Most importantly, the candidates must be able to unlock the potential of Cam Ward. The field of contenders can be broken down into four distinct archetypes.

Archetype 1: The Offensive Innovators (High Ceiling, High Risk)

Kliff Kingsbury (Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders):

• Philosophy: Kingsbury is a modern offensive mind whose “Air Raid” roots have evolved into a highly adaptable, quarterback-centric system. He avoids a rigid run-pass split. Instead, he uses a fluid game plan. This plan is tailored to exploit the opponent’s specific weaknesses each week.²³ His scheme is up-tempo, shotgun-heavy, and incorporates spread-option principles to leverage a quarterback’s athleticism.²⁵ He is known for empowering his players, famously stating, “it’s about the players, not the plays”.²⁶
• Fit and Feasibility: He has successfully designed offenses for mobile, creative quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Jayden Daniels. This makes him an almost perfect schematic match for Cam Ward.¹⁰ His swift, no-huddle approach could be a “boon for Ward” and instantly energize a stagnant offense.²⁷ However, his tenure as head coach in Arizona was defined by late-season collapses. This created a persistent narrative. People believe that his offenses get “figured out” over time.²⁵ This history of inconsistency presents a significant risk for a franchise craving stability.

Joe Brady (Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills):

• Philosophy: Brady is widely considered one of the most creative play-callers in the NFL. His core philosophy is to “force the defense to defend every blade of grass.” He achieves this by getting his playmakers “speed in space.”²⁹ He utilizes heavy pre-snap motion, spread concepts, and a multitude of empty formations to create favorable matchups.²⁹ After taking over in Buffalo, he changed the offense from a pass-heavy attack to a more balanced unit. It became unpredictable and was tailored to Josh Allen’s strengths. He coined the mantra “Everybody Eats.”³¹
• Fit and Feasibility: Brady’s resume is uniquely suited to the Titans’ needs. His legendary 2019 season as LSU’s passing game coordinator is the gold standard for developing a top quarterback prospect. During that season, Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship.³³ His successful mid-season transformation of the Bills’ offense demonstrates an ability to adapt and maximize elite talent. While his first OC stint in Carolina ended poorly, he was largely seen as a scapegoat in a dysfunctional situation.³³ At 36, he represents the high-ceiling, innovative mind the Titans need.

Archetype 2: The Reclamation Projects (Experience with Baggage)

Matt Nagy (Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs):

• Philosophy: A product of the Andy Reid coaching tree, Nagy’s philosophy is rooted in West Coast principles. As a play-caller, he shows a willingness to be aggressive. He pushes the ball downfield. This is a stark contrast to the conservative approach seen under Callahan.³⁴
• Fit and Feasibility: Nagy’s primary appeal is his pre-existing relationship with GM Mike Borgonzi. They worked together in Kansas City.²⁷ He also has head coaching experience, including an NFL Coach of the Year award in 2018. However, his four-year tenure with the Chicago Bears unraveled spectacularly. It was marked by offensive ineptitude, never finishing better than 21st in yards. He also gained a reputation for being overly gimmicky and refusing to adjust his scheme.³

Arthur Smith (Offensive Coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers):

• Philosophy: Smith’s offense is a throwback. It is built on a foundation of under-center runs and heavy play-action. The strategy also includes multiple tight end personnel groupings (12 and 21 personnel).¹⁸ It is a physical, timing-based system that is less reliant on shotgun and spread concepts.³⁶
• Fit and Feasibility: Smith is deeply familiar with the Titans organization. He was a favorite of ownership during his successful run as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2019-20.²⁷ That familiarity is his only selling point. His subsequent tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons was a disaster. He failed to develop young quarterbacks. He also bafflingly misused high-end offensive draft picks.¹⁸ His rigid, run-heavy scheme clashes completely with Cam Ward’s improvisational skill set. This clash makes him arguably the worst possible fit for the team’s singular goal of developing its quarterback.¹⁸

Archetype 3: The Defensive Architect (Culture over Scheme)

Jesse Minter (Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers):

• Philosophy: Minter is one of the brightest defensive minds in football, a protégé of the Mike Macdonald coaching tree. His scheme is a complex, modular system. It is aggressive and versatile. It relies heavily on disguise and pre-snap movement to confuse offenses.³⁹ The system is built on four pillars: effort, block destruction, ball disruption, and communication.⁴⁰ He made a historic impact on the Chargers’ defense. He transformed them from one of the worst units to the best in scoring defense in a single season.³³
• Fit and Feasibility: Minter would undoubtedly install a tough, disciplined culture and give the Titans a clear defensive identity. However, hiring a defensive-minded coach would be a significant philosophical pivot. It would mean entrusting Cam Ward’s crucial development to an offensive coordinator who is yet to be hired. This is the very gamble that failed with Callahan and his staff. In a league increasingly dominated by offensive innovation, this would be a high-risk, counter-intuitive move.

Archetype 4: The Veteran Stabilizer (High Floor, Lower Ceiling)

Mike McCarthy (Former Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys/Green Bay Packers):

• Philosophy: McCarthy has evolved significantly over his career. He was once a West Coast traditionalist. Now, he has become more of a CEO-style head coach. He empowers his quarterback and adapts his scheme to his personnel.⁴¹ His “Texas Coast” offense in Dallas was versatile and unpredictable, utilizing quick passes and pre-snap motion to create advantages.⁴³
• Fit and Feasibility: McCarthy brings a Super Bowl ring and extensive experience. He has a proven track record of developing an all-time great quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.³³ He would provide immediate stability, credibility, and a high floor for a franchise in turmoil. The downside is a perceived lower ceiling. At 61, he is not the “young offensive genius” that many teams covet. His playoff record in Dallas was underwhelming. This occurred despite excellent regular season results.³³ He would be a safe choice, but perhaps not the inspired one needed for a full-scale rebuild.

The following matrix provides a side-by-side comparison of the leading candidates across the most critical evaluation criteria.

Candidate	Primary Philosophy	HC Experience	Key Strengths	Key Weaknesses	Fit with Cam Ward (1-10)
Joe Brady	Spread; Speed in Space; Adaptable	No	Elite QB development (Burrow, Allen); schematic creativity; high ceiling.	No head coaching experience; failed as OC in Carolina.	9.5
Kliff Kingsbury	Air Raid; Up-Tempo; QB-Centric	Yes (35-40, ARI)	Perfect schematic fit for Ward; proven success with mobile QBs.	History of late-season collapses; inconsistent results as HC.	8.0
Mike McCarthy	Evolved West Coast; CEO-style	Yes (167-102-2)	Super Bowl winner; elite QB development (Rodgers); brings stability.	Age (61); underwhelming playoff record in Dallas; lower ceiling.	7.0
Jesse Minter	Modular; Aggressive; Disguise-Heavy	No	Brilliant defensive mind; proven unit turnaround; establishes tough identity.	Wrong side of the ball; QB development would be left to an unknown OC.	4.0
Matt Nagy	West Coast (Reid Tree)	Yes (34-31, CHI)	HC experience; Borgonzi connection; part of recent Super Bowl wins.	Failed tenure in Chicago; offense declined under his watch.	5.0
Arthur Smith	Run-Heavy; Play-Action; Multiple TE	Yes (21-30, ATL)	Familiarity with Titans organization.	Failed to develop QBs in ATL; poor schematic fit for Ward.	2.0

Section 5: The Final Decision: Identifying the Optimal Choice for Tennessee’s Future

The search for the next head coach of the Tennessee Titans is underway. It serves as a referendum on the franchise’s commitment to Cam Ward. The failures of the previous regime have clarified the mission with stark precision. The ideal candidate must satisfy three non-negotiable criteria:

1. A strategy not only complements but also amplifies Cam Ward’s unique talents. It fosters creativity and encourages improvisation.
2. A collaborative mindset that can thrive within the new, system-driven front office structure established by Chad Brinker and Mike Borgonzi.
3. A proven ability to foster player development and institutional growth, correcting the core deficiency that led to Brian Callahan’s dismissal.

The Recommendation

When measured against these essential criteria, one candidate emerges as the clear and optimal choice: Joe Brady.

Brady represents the perfect synthesis of cutting-edge innovation, proven developmental success, and schematic alignment. He transformed Joe Burrow into a Heisman winner at LSU. He also executed a masterful mid-season overhaul of the Buffalo Bills offense to maximize Josh Allen’s talents. These achievements provide a direct and compelling blueprint for what he can achieve with Cam Ward. His offensive philosophies include “speed in space” and “everybody eats.” They also use spread concepts to simplify reads for the quarterback. These strategies are precisely what the Titans’ current roster and rookie quarterback require.²⁹ While he lacks head coaching experience, his meteoric rise is evident. He has a sterling reputation as a schematic genius. This aligns perfectly with the high-ceiling approach the Titans must take. To maximize their number one overall investment, they cannot afford to be conservative. Brady is the forward-thinking, high-upside choice the moment demands.

Eliminating the Alternatives

While other candidates possess compelling qualities, they ultimately fall short in critical areas.

• Kliff Kingsbury: The schematic fit is undeniable. However, his history of late-season collapses introduces a level of risk. The franchise cannot afford this after years of instability.²⁵
• Jesse Minter: A brilliant coach, but he is an expert in the wrong discipline. The primary mission is offensive development, making the hiring of a defensive head coach a strategic misstep.³³
• Matt Nagy and Arthur Smith: Both carry the baggage of failed head coaching tenures. Smith, in particular, represents a philosophical mismatch with Ward that would likely repeat the mistakes of the Callahan era.¹⁸
• Mike McCarthy: He is the safe, respectable option who would restore competency. But the Titans are not a team that is one steady hand away from contention. They are in the foundational stages of a rebuild that calls for a cutting-edge innovator, not just a veteran manager.³³

The First 100 Days & The 2026 Outlook

The immediate priorities for the new head coach will be to assemble a top-tier staff. Hiring an experienced, respected defensive coordinator is paramount. The coach must also begin the intensive process of installing a new offensive system for Cam Ward. This task requires deep collaboration with the front office. The goal is to align the scheme with personnel acquisitions in the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.

For the Tennessee Titans, the 2026 season should not be measured in wins and losses. Success will be defined by the clear and consistent growth of Cam Ward. The growth should be demonstrable within a dynamic and coherent offensive system. Success will be measured by the emergence of a clear team identity. It will also be marked by establishing a culture of development. This culture was so profoundly absent in the chapter that just closed. The right hire will not guarantee a winning record in year one. However, it will provide the one thing the franchise needs more than anything else. This is a credible reason for hope.

Works cited

1. Tennessee Titans fire head coach Brian Callahan after disappointing start to 2025 season, accessed October 28, 2025, https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/tennessee-titans-fire-head-coach-brian-callahan-after-disappointing-start-to-2025-season/articleshow/124536945.cms
2. 2025 Tennessee Titans season – Wikipedia, accessed October 28, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Tennessee_Titans_season
3. Titans Executive Gives Reason For Brian Callahan Firing | 100.5 The Wolf – iHeart, accessed October 28, 2025, https://1005thewolf.iheart.com/content/2025-10-14-titans-executive-gives-reason-for-brian-callahan-firing/
4. Titans fire HC Brian Callahan after a brutal 1-5 start to the 2025 season – Goal.com, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/titans-fire-hc-brian-callahan-cam-ward/blt48c63cd76c0f19ed
5. Tennessee Titans 2025 Stats | NFL.com, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.nfl.com/teams/tennessee-titans/stats
6. 2025 Tennessee Titans Stats & Leaders – NFL | FOX Sports, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/tennessee-titans-team-stats
7. Titans Stats – Tennessee Titans – TennesseeTitans.com, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.tennesseetitans.com/team/stats/
8. 2024 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/2024.htm
9. Titans’ Final Roster Projection Reveals Keys To 2025 Success – Heavy Sports, accessed October 28, 2025, https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/tennessee-titans/titans-roster-projection-keys-2025-success/
10. Titans’ 5 best coaching candidates to replace Brian Callahan, from …, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/titans-best-coaching-candidates-cam-ward/5cc036a50b2ee0c898ee672f
11. Tennessee Titans Front Office Taking Shape Under New GM – Last Word on Pro Football, accessed October 28, 2025, https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2025/06/10/tennessee-titans-front-office-taking-shape-under-new-gm/
12. Why Titans HC Brian Callahan is making new mistakes in 2025 | The @BuckReising Show, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8aAHbkyJ38
13. Tennessee Titans Explain Brian Callahan Firing – Sports Illustrated, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.si.com/nfl/titans/news/tennessee-titans-explain-brian-callahan-firing
14. Titans Front Office – Tennessee Titans – Titans Coaching Staff | Tennessee Titans – TennesseeTitans.com, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.tennesseetitans.com/team/front-office-roster/
15. Chad Brinker – Tennessee Titans, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.tennesseetitans.com/team/front-office-roster/chad-brinker
16. Template:Tennessee Titans staff – Wikipedia, accessed October 28, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Tennessee_Titans_staff
17. Titans have begun their latest coaching search – NBC Sports, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/titans-have-begun-their-latest-coaching-search
18. Titans’ rumored head coach candidate checks all the wrong boxes, accessed October 28, 2025, https://titansized.com/titans-rumored-head-coach-candidate-checks-all-the-wrong-boxes-01k89wx70836
19. Titans Depth Chart – Tennessee Titans – TennesseeTitans.com, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.tennesseetitans.com/team/depth-chart
20. Tennessee Titans 2025 Depth Chart – USA TODAY Sports – Scores & Odds Hub, accessed October 28, 2025, https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/football/nfl/teams/tennessee-titans/336/depthChart
21. Hot Topics From Titans HC Mike McCoy’s Monday Presser, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/hot-topics-from-titans-hc-mike-mccoy-s-monday-presser-x7271
22. Tuesday Mailbag: Jim Wyatt Answers Questions From Titans Fans After Loss to Colts, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/tuesday-mailbag-jim-wyatt-answers-questions-from-titans-fans-after-loss-to-colts
23. http://www.si.com, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/news/commanders-kliff-kingsbury-offensive-philosophy-balance-adaptability#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt’s%20the%20balance%20to%20be,not%20the%20other%20way%20around.
24. Kliff Kingsbury has a surprising definition of a ‘balanced …, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/news/commanders-kliff-kingsbury-offensive-philosophy-balance-adaptability
25. We’ve Seen This Before From Kliff Kingsbury – Sports Info Solutions, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2024/12/12/weve-seen-this-before-from-kliff-kingsbury/
26. OC Kliff Kingsbury | Brian Johnson ‘one of the smartest offensive minds I’ve been around’, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.commanders.com/news/oc-kliff-kingsbury-brian-johnson-one-of-the-smartest-offensive-minds-i-ve-been-around
27. Twenty Candidates to Replace Brian Callahan as Titans Head Coach – Sports Illustrated, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.si.com/nfl/titans-19-top-head-coach-candidates
28. How does Kliff Kingsbury keep getting “figured out”? : r/NFLNoobs – Reddit, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/NFLNoobs/comments/1h49bfa/how_does_kliff_kingsbury_keep_getting_figured_out/
29. NFL Film Breakdown: How Panthers OC Joe Brady’s Offense Uses …, accessed October 28, 2025, https://weeklyspiral.medium.com/nfl-film-breakdown-how-panthers-oc-joe-bradys-offense-uses-spread-concepts-to-beat-defenses-689257936eca
30. Bills’ Joe Brady replacement is already becoming painfully obvious – BuffaLowDown, accessed October 28, 2025, https://buffalowdown.com/bills-joe-brady-replacement-is-already-becoming-painfully-obvious-01k842whdkb2
31. Joe Brady (American football coach) – Wikipedia, accessed October 28, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Brady_(American_football_coach)
32. Bills OTA Notebook | OC Joe Brady’s scheme is adjusting to new parts without changing its engine, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-ota-notebook-oc-joe-brady-s-scheme-is-adjusting-to-new-parts-without-changing-its-engine
33. Titans fire Brian Callahan: Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Nagy among …, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/titans-fire-brian-callahan-kliff-kingsbury-matt-nagy-coaching-candidates-to-watch/
34. Chiefs offensive evolution: the Nagy effect – Chiefs Digest, accessed October 28, 2025, https://chiefsdigest.com/chiefs-offensive-evolution-nagy-effect/
35. The Golden Era of Matt Nagy : r/CHIBears – Reddit, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/CHIBears/comments/1duz4jp/the_golden_era_of_matt_nagy/
36. Comparing Arthur Smith’s tendencies as an offensive coordinator vs …, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.ffsn.com/comparing-arthur-smiths-tendencies-offensive-coordinator-head-coach/
37. Head Coach Arthur Smith reflects on a decade spent with Tennessee that helped shape him – Atlanta Falcons, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/arthur-smith-tennessee-titans-mike-vrabel-mularkey-munchak-nfl-week-8
38. Arthur Smith: Atlanta Falcons fire coach hours after New Orleans loss | AP News, accessed October 28, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/atlanta-falcons-arthur-smith-cb8ea8dfb9830a37b296cbec417c1598
39. Jesse Minter’s modular defense is going to change the Chargers …, accessed October 28, 2025, https://stormcloud.blog/minters-defensive-modularity/
40. Can a Michigan defense built on fundamental ‘pillars’ stop stacked Alabama? – FOX Sports, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/can-michigan-defense-built-on-fundamental-pillars-stop-stacked-alabama
41. The Cowboys are contenders. Time to put some respect on Mike McCarthy’s name – The Guardian, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/dec/14/mike-mccarthy-dallas-cowboys-super-bowl-contenders
42. What’s The Best Thing Mike McCarthy Has Said? – Dallas Cowboys, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/what-s-the-best-thing-mike-mccarthy-has-said
43. 4) What to expect from McCarthy as play-caller – Dallas Cowboys, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/4-what-to-expect-from-mccarthy-as-play-caller
44. Packers’ offense has been consistently prolific under Mike McCarthy, accessed October 28, 2025, https://www.packers.com/news/packers-offense-has-been-consistently-prolific-under-mike-mccarthy-18322691