In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Tennessee Titans have fired head coach Brian Callahan just six games into his second season. But here's where it gets controversial... Was this decision justified, or did Callahan deserve more time to turn things around? Let’s dive into the details and explore the tumultuous journey that led to this abrupt ending.
After a dismal 1-5 start to the 2025 season, the Titans’ front office pulled the plug on Callahan’s tenure. General Manager Mike Borgonzi and President of Football Operations Chad Brinker delivered the news during a Monday morning meeting, with owner Amy Adams Strunk also reaching out personally, according to league sources. The team has yet to announce an interim coach, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating about the future.
Callahan’s time in Tennessee was marked by struggles, with a 4-19 record since his hiring in 2024. And this is the part most people miss... His dismissal wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was a culmination of questionable decisions, offensive inconsistencies, and a failure to capitalize on key moments. For instance, in the season opener against the Denver Broncos, Callahan’s misinterpretation of a crucial catch rule cost the Titans a potential game-changing play. Rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor’s 23-yard reception was incorrectly deemed incomplete, as Callahan mistakenly believed “an elbow doesn’t equal two feet.” The Titans punted, lost the game by eight points, and Callahan later admitted his error in judgment.
The struggles didn’t end there. In Week 3, a delay of game penalty before a 57-yard field goal attempt against the Indianapolis Colts led to a blocked kick and a missed opportunity to close the gap. Callahan’s decision to hand over play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree after this loss didn’t yield better results. In their first game under Hardegree, the Titans were shut out 26-0 by the Houston Texans, marking the Texans’ first win of the season.
Here’s the real kicker... Despite drafting quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans’ offense has been abysmal, scoring more than 20 points just once. Even that game, a Week 5 win over the Arizona Cardinals, featured a bizarre touchdown off a fumbled interception. Callahan’s final game, a 20-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, saw the offense muster only 225 yards—a fitting end to a disappointing tenure.
Callahan’s hiring in 2024 raised eyebrows, as it came on the heels of the Titans’ surprising split with Mike Vrabel. Vrabel had led the team to two division titles, three playoff appearances, and a conference championship game in six seasons, even earning NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2021. However, friction with ownership led to his departure after back-to-back losing seasons (7-10 and 6-11). Callahan, who had served as the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2023, brought a pedigree that included NFL lineage—his father, Bill Callahan, a longtime assistant and former head coach, even joined the Titans’ staff in 2024. Yet, the results never materialized.
Now, the big question remains... Did the Titans make the right call, or did they act too hastily? Was Callahan set up for failure, or did he simply fail to rise to the occasion? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions. One thing is certain: the Titans’ search for stability continues, and the clock is ticking.
