The Tennessee Titans have hired Brian Callahan, the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator, as their head coach, with the goal of restoring the team’s winning ways and grooming Will Levis as their franchise quarterback.
The Titans announced on Wednesday the hiring of the first of ten individuals they interviewed.
They acted quickly Monday, when the NFL window opened for second in-person interviews with incumbent coaches following the divisional playoff round, making him the first coach hired from outside a team’s organization this month.
“Brian has a track record of success and a diverse range of experience that have prepared him for this opportunity,” Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. “His football expertise and excitement for the game stand out, and we believe his leadership abilities will make him an excellent match for our franchise.
He will be introduced at a news conference on Thursday.
The Titans interviewed Callahan, 39, on Monday and pushed fast to finalize a contract before he left town to interview with other clubs. He takes over for Mike Vrabel, who was sacked on January 9 after losing 18 of his final 24 games over six seasons.
Callahan will become the franchise’s sixth coach since leaving Texas for Tennessee in 1997. He is also the third coach hired since the NFL’s regular season finished on January 7.
New England promoted Jerod Mayo to replace Bill Belichick, while the Raiders elevated interim coach Antonio Pierce. Carolina, the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington are still searching for coaches.
