Daboll might not have been made for the big chair, but he can coach an offense. In his final two years in Buffalo, the Bills boasted a top-five offense. He’s also schemed the run game well, which should help Ward. In 12 seasons as an NFL OC or head coach, the offenses he was part of finished in the top 10 in rushing yards seven times.
Getting an experienced play-caller was essential for the Titans, particularly after the Brian Callahan debacle. Ward showed flashes of a budding star, but inconsistencies led to a rocky first campaign with Callahan, prior to the coach’s firing. Daboll is now tasked with smoothing out the terrain and taking Ward to the next level.
The pairing is also ideal for Saleh as he takes his second shot in the head-coaching chair.
Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett led subpar Jets offenses under Saleh. Daboll’s experience suggests that it shouldn’t be an issue this time around.
Employing an OC who can work mostly independently will allow Saleh to focus on improving a Titans defense that struggled mightily. The Saleh-Daboll setup could take a similar approach to the one Saleh and Kyle Shanahan enjoyed this season in San Francisco, with each taking ownership of his side of the ball.