Report: Titans to hire Bengals’ Callahan as head coach

The Tennessee Titans intend to hire Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their new head coach, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Callahan, 39, spent the last five seasons with the Bengals as part of Zac Taylor’s coaching staff. With Joe Burrow at quarterback, Cincy’s offense has improved significantly each year.

Callahan was the first candidate to meet with Tennessee this month and had a second interview with the club Monday. He also generated interest from other teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Chargers.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown were also considered finalists for the Titans job.

Callahan began his coaching career as an offensive assistant for the Denver Broncos before serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions (2016-17) and Las Vegas Raiders (2018). He’s worked with several high-profile quarterbacks over the years, including Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, and Burrow.

He’ll inherit a Tennessee team led by 2023 second-round quarterback Will Levis, who started nine games as a rookie. Levis threw for four touchdowns in his Week 8 debut but lacked consistency as a starter and finished the campaign with eight TD passes against four interceptions.

The Titans moved on from head coach Mike Vrabel in a surprising move Jan. 9. Vrabel posted a 54-45 record but went just 6-11 in 2023.

The AFC South club is set for a roster overhaul in 2024, as running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill are expected to hit the open market. Tennessee owns the seventh overall pick in the upcoming draft and is projected to have the third-most cap space in the league, according to Spotrac.

Callahan is the third head coach hired around the NFL this month. The New England Patriots recently announced Jerod Mayo as Bill Belichick’s replacement, while the Raiders elevated Antonio Pierce, who finished 2023 as their interim sideline boss.

Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher is a candidate to replace Callahan as offensive coordinator. However, Pitcher also has OC interviews scheduled with the Patriots, Raiders, and New Orleans Saints, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Titans will host the Bengals in 2024.

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