Titans QB Cam Ward’s lack of growth, struggling offense led to Brian Callahan firing
Tennessee Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker and general manager Mike Borgonzi said that a lack of growth, plus “continuous frustration,” led to the organization’s decision to fire coach Brian Callahan.
Callahan and the Titans parted ways on Oct. 13, one day after the 20-10 loss in Las Vegas dropped his record to 4-19 in less than two seasons. Brinker and Borgonzi said repeatedly in their news conference later on Oct. 13 that the decision was motivated by a perceived lack of growth from the team through Callahan’s tenure, including little progress from rookie quarterback Cam Ward in his first six games.
“I’d like to see our quarterback play be better,” Brinker said. “I’d like to see the offense be consistent, more consistent moving the football. I want to see improvement in the defense and the offense, but again — we all know what it looks like when we see it. When you see that you’re playing complementary football, that the offense and the defense and special teams are playing off of each other. We have yet to put together a complete game in a long time. So, there’s a lot of work to do for everyone in this organization.”
The decision was made in a standard day-after-game meeting among Brinker, Borgonzi and controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. Senior offensive assistant Mike McCoy has been installed as interim coach, and all questions about further staffing changes and interim decisions were deferred to McCoy.
Adams Strunk did not put out a statement regarding Callahan’s firing and was not present at the news conference.
The Titans‘ post-Callahan era begins Oct. 19 at Nissan Stadium (noon CT, CBS) against former Titans coach Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots.
Brinker had been vocal throughout the offseason about growth being his primary barometer for 2025, even as the roster lagged behind the rest of the league.
The lack of development under Callahan, an offensive-minded coach, seemed particularly irksome to Brinker, who complimented defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and his unit.
Through six games (going 1-5), the offense has ranked last in the NFL in yards per game, yards per play, first downs per game and yards per pass attempt, as well as second-worst in points per game, rushing yards per game and passing yards per game.
Ward’s production has stagnated as well. He has thrown just one touchdown all season that didn’t come in the fourth quarter with the Titans trailing by multiple scores.