Updated Jan. 30, 2026, 8:33 p.m. ET
One of the biggest takeaways from Robert Saleh’s introductory press conference as the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans is his plan to take Cam Ward to the next level.
While Saleh provided a basic outline of the plan, it was clear he believes he has the right quarterback and offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll to execute it.
“Talking with Dabes over the course of the last few weeks, he is the perfect man to match up with Cam and to maximize who he is,” Saleh said.
Ward had an up-and-down season as a rookie, but appeared to be hitting his stride late in the season before injuring his shoulder in the season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished the season completing 323-of-540 passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, with a passer rating of 80.3, while adding 159 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Now it will be up to Daboll to create an offense that suits Ward’s skill set.
Daboll is an experienced offensive mind who will bring 25 years of NFL coaching experience to Nashville, and as Saleh points out, he has a history of developing young quarterbacks.
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“Dabes has had a history of developing young quarterbacks in this league and college, and the different stops that he’s had, and he’s touched many from experience to youth,” Saleh said. “He has a tremendous amount of experience with tremendous quarterbacks all over. There’s a lot of benefits to what he does.”
Saleh may be the head coach and will be tasked with rebuilding the defense, but Daboll’s addition may be the most important addition of the offseason, and his results will make-or-break the Titans’ future.