The Tennessee Titans have reportedly relieved Brian Callahan of his duties as head coach following a dismal 1–5 start to the 2025 season, sources confirm. Callahan’s tenure ends after just under two seasons in charge, as the Titans’ front office seeks a new direction amid mounting fan frustration and on-field regression.
Background
Callahan was hired in January 2024 after a long run as the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator. (Wikipedia) He succeeded Mike Vrabel, who was dismissed after six seasons in Nashville. (Wikipedia)
Over his stint, Callahan compiled a record of 4–19 (3–14 in 2024, 1–5 in 2025) making him the first coach to be fired in the 2025 season. (Reuters) The decision comes after a particularly brutal stretch this year: the Titans offense averaged just 3.94 yards per play and has scored only 83 total points in six games. (AP News)
Callahan had already handed off play-calling duties midseason to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree following an 0–3 start, hoping to focus on macro strategy. (New York Post) Still, the team never showed consistent improvement. (AP News)
Ownership and leadership changes preceded the firing: the Titans replaced GM Ran Carthon with Mike Borgonzi earlier in the year, shifting greater roster control to president of football operations Chad Brinker. (Reuters) In today’s statement, Brinker and GM Borgonzi, along with owner Amy Adams Strunk, held meetings before notifying Callahan. (Reuters)
The Titans’ instability doesn’t end with coaching: since 2022, the organization has made multiple firings and hirings in both coaching and front-office roles, feeding a narrative of turnover and lack of continuity. (Front Office Sports)
Possible Replacements
With Callahan out, speculation has quickly pivoted toward who could lead Tennessee next. Here are the top names being floated:
- Joe Brady
The Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator is widely discussed as a candidate. Brady’s offensive creativity and experience working with quarterback systems make him a logical fit to develop rookie Cam Ward. (AS USA) - Bill Callahan
Brian’s father, Bill, served as the Titans’ offensive line coach. While he has vast experience as a coordinator and head coach in past eras, transitioning into full control would be unusual given his current position, and the organization has not signaled interest. (Reuters) - Other candidates
Analysts have also raised names like Kliff Kingsbury, Brian Flores, Mike McCarthy, Jesse Minter, and defensive-minded assistants as possibilities. (AS USA) - Interim coach scenario
The Titans have not indicated who will serve as interim head coach this week. Some insiders expect internal promotion of an assistant, especially given the midseason timing. (Reuters)
The key for Tennessee is finding a coach aligned with the long view: rebuilding around Cam Ward and executing in the AFC South, not just a short-term bandage.
Fan & Media Reactions
Fan reaction has been swift, largely welcoming the change after weeks of frustration. On social media and Titan fan forums, many described the move as overdue. One fan on r/Tennesseetitans posted:
“Official story from the team. No news yet on interim coach… Dude should’ve never even been hired. At least we’re free of Cally.” (Reddit)
Media coverage broadly frames the firing as a reflection of failed expectations and roster mismanagement more than just coaching mistakes. (Front Office Sports) Analysts have also pointed out Tennessee’s long history of instability and the mounting pressure that came with drafting a rookie quarterback No. 1 overall. (Front Office Sports)
The move is also the first head coach firing of the 2025 NFL season. (Reuters) The optics are stark: Tennessee is signaling urgency in course correction.
What’s Next for the Titans
Short term: The Titans must name an interim coach in time for Week 7’s showdown against their former head coach, Mike Vrabel, now coaching the New England Patriots. (Reuters) That game gains extra drama given Vrabel’s legacy in Nashville. (SI)
Longer term: Tennessee must decide whether to engage in a full coaching search now or wait until postseason. But with Cam Ward’s development on the line, and the AFC South still winnable, the front office will likely expedite the process. (Newsweek)
The new coach will inherit a team with major challenges: offensive inconsistency, defensive lapses, and a roster still young and unproven. Yet he will also have the prized asset of a top-pick quarterback and organizational leeway given the current losing trajectory. (Wikipedia)
Expect the Titans to interview top candidates who can balance scheme ingenuity with developmental patience. And expect them to act quickly — the remainder of the 2025 season may already be shifting under new leadership.
In ending the Brian Callahan era, the Tennessee Titans have officially reset expectations this season. The next head coach will walk into a pressure cooker: stabilize the locker room, try to salvage the season, and begin reshaping the culture. With their next move, Tennessee signals whether they’re rebuilding patiently or swinging bold — and the league will be watching closely.
This was a surprising move, but honestly, the Titans needed a change.
Brian Callahan had potential, but the team never found its rhythm.
Curious to see if Joe Brady can actually bring some spark to the offense. Great breakdown I just read the full article on ClickOnTrends and it’s solid reporting.
Thanks, Alan we appreciate your take!
It’s definitely a big shift for the Titans, and the timing surprised a lot of analysts.
We’ll keep updating the article as more details emerge about Joe Brady and any interim decisions from the front office. Stay tuned to ClickOnTrends for verified updates.