Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan speaks before an NFL football minicamp camp practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. Image Credits: Imagn Images

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Brian Callahan Fired – Why Was the Titan Head Coach Fired and Who Is Next in the Line of Succession To Be Head Coach/Interim Head Coach

Titans Fire Brian Callahan, Begin Search for New Head Coach

The Tennessee Titans have parted ways with head coach Brian Callahan after just 23 games in charge, following Sunday’s 24-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The decision, announced Monday, comes as the Titans fell to 1-5 and appear headed for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for the second straight offseason.

Callahan’s dismissal marks another seismic shift under owner Amy Adams-Strunk, who only two seasons ago fired Mike Vrabel, the coach who had guided Tennessee to multiple AFC South titles. The Titans, once known for their toughness and stability, now face their third head-coaching search in four years.

Despite the offseason optimism surrounding rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the Titans’ offense ranks near the bottom of the league, with the defense not far behind. The team’s press release made no mention of an interim replacement, though an internal announcement is expected before Sunday’s home clash against Vrabel’s New England Patriots, a matchup that now carries ironic weight.

Titans now have gone from firing GM Jon Robinson, to firing HC Mike Vrabel, to firing GM Ran Carthon, to firing HC Brian Callahan — all at separate times. pic.twitter.com/fDcYNTrxMj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2025

Why did Tenessee Titan Fire Coach Brian Callahan?

Callahan’s tenure ends with a 4-19 overall record (3-14 in 2024, 1-5 in 2025), an outcome that basically highlights Tennessee’s struggles and its indecisiveness. After five years as offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, where he helped develop Joe Burrow, Callahan arrived in Nashville in January 2024 with a reputation for offensive creativity. But those credentials never translated into results.

Under Callahan, Tennessee’s attack stagnated despite investment in young offensive talent. The decision to select Cam Ward with the top overall pick was intended to reset the franchise, yet early results show a lack of cohesion and rhythm. League analysts point to a muddled offensive identity, while insiders describe a locker room “searching for leadership.”

Owner Amy Adams-Strunk, who has been under growing scrutiny for her quick coaching turnovers, is again tasked with finding stability. The Titans said in a statement, “our players, fans, and community deserve a football team that achieves a standard we are not currently meeting, and we are committed to making the hard decisions necessary to reach and maintain that standard.”

pic.twitter.com/16m4cYIxrA
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 13, 2025

Tennessee Titans’ Next Head Coach Candidates

The Titans’ coaching search will span both the NFL and collegiate ranks, with a mix of familiar faces and emerging minds in contention. Among the top candidates:

Joe Brady (OC, Buffalo Bills) – The 35-year-old offensive architect has helped sharpen Josh Allen’s efficiency and creativity despite limited perimeter talent. His LSU connection with Burrow mirrors Callahan’s path but with a more refined offensive experience.

Titans part ways with HC Brian Callahan. pic.twitter.com/KTIZacl3Xn
— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2025

Thomas Brown (TEs, New England Patriots) – A versatile coach with prior interest from Tennessee, Brown’s experience under Sean McVay and now under Vrabel in New England makes him a compelling coaching candidate.

David Culley (Former NFL HC) – The Tennessee native and Vanderbilt alum brings 30 years of NFL experience and could stabilize the franchise with his no-nonsense, veteran approach.

Ejiro Evero (DC, Carolina Panthers) – Known for consistently strong defenses, Evero’s tactical sharpness could offset Tennessee’s recent offensive struggles.

The last four QBs taken No. 1 overall have seen their head coach fired during their rookie campaign:

🏈2021 — Trevor Lawrence (Urban Meyer)
🏈2023 — Bryce Young (Frank Reich)
🏈2024 — Caleb Williams (Matt Eberflus)
🏈2025 — Cam Ward (Brian Callahan) pic.twitter.com/Lb2M91tupd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2025

Brian Flores (DC, Minnesota Vikings) – Despite his controversial Miami exit, Flores’ track record of winning and defensive discipline remains appealing.

Marcus Freeman (HC, Notre Dame) – A bold outside hire, Freeman represents leadership, culture, and collegiate success that could energize a rebuilding locker room.

Jon Gruden (Former NFL HC) – Though controversial, Gruden’s Super Bowl pedigree keeps him in speculation circles as an experienced play-caller ready for redemption.

BREAKING: #Titans have fired HC Brian Callahan.

He was 4-19 during his time in Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/UlpvjjpHcQ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 13, 2025

Kliff Kingsbury (OC, Washington Commanders) – Known for his quarterback acumen and modern offense, Kingsbury could be the most logical offensive-minded successor.

With the Titans again at a crossroads, the upcoming hire will define the direction of the franchise’s next era, whether it leans on proven leadership or another calculated risk. Given the current trajectory, Amy Adams-Strunk may once again be forced to make another change if the next choice isn’t made with caution. For now, everything remains uncertain, and fans continue to wait for what Tennessee has long lacked, a clear and lasting identity.

Image Credits: Imagn Images

Brian Callahan

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Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.