Tag: Brian Callahan

Where is the Titans’ coaching staff ranked among all 32 NFL teams?

Tennessee Titans coaches Brian Callahan, Nick Holz and Dennard Wilson named the 28th ranked coaching staff in the NFL by ESPN.

Recently, ESPN ranked all 32 NFL teams’ coaching staffs and coordinators for 2024. The author, Ben Solak, did not consider special teams or position coaches, reviewing only head coaches and coordinators. After discussing his process and offering some considerations, the Tennessee Titans coaching staff was ranked 28th in the league.

This is the first year this coaching staff has been together, so it’s hard to say what they’ll really be capable of. As Solak says in the article, past performance is helpful, but it’s not the only consideration when making these rankings.

When it came to the Titans, the first thing mentioned was Brian Callahan’s success with Joe Burrow in Cincinnati and the similarity in air time and time-to-throw between Burrow and Will Levis.

If Callahan succeeds, he’ll have to find a blend between the offense he ran for Burrow and the offense Levis ran last season: tons of screens, tons of deep play-action bombs. The offensive cupboard got loaded with weapons in the offseason — Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, Tyler Boyd — and Levis showed some nice flashes, so a solid Year 1 performance is a reasonable expectation from this offense.

This defense is a different matter. Wilson is one of three new defensive coordinators from the Mike Macdonald tree, and I don’t really have any reason to believe in any one over the other. But his secondary background should shine here, where L’Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie, Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs have all joined a room already featuring a couple of exciting young players in Amani Hooker, Elijah Molden and Roger McCreary (put a star by that last name). The front seven deficiencies beyond Jeffery Simmons are tough to ignore, but Wilson should be able to run some of those crazy Baltimore coverages with this back end.

Perhaps the best thing about rankings is that they really don’t mean much. What this Titans coaching staff does this year is very dependent on who makes the final roster, who stays healthy, who gets hurt, and how well the players execute the game plan.

What the Titans really need to focus on is continuing their winning ways on Sunday at New Orleans.

Titans rookie LB sounds like a lock to make 53-man roster

Tennessee Titans rookie linebacker Jaylen Harrell received high praise on Sunday, and it appears he is a lock for the 53-man roster.

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan minced no words regarding rookie linebacker Jaylen Harrell during Sunday’s press conference.

“He was a seventh-round pick that nobody thought much of to being probably a pretty strong rotational player for us,” Callahan said, via Broadway Sports Media’s Easton Freeze. “It’s been good to see.”

Harrell was a standout performer in the Titans’ 16-15 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Despite only playing in 18 snaps, he recorded 2.0 sacks and three quarterback pressures.

As a result, he was named the Titans Wire “Player of the Game.”

While the Titans have been sorting out the Arden Key situation, which appears to finally be resolved, Harrell has been quietly working in the background. The Michigan product was listed in a third-string role on the Titans’ first unofficial depth chart.

However, he looks to not only be a lock for the 53-man roster but, as Callahan alluded, has the potential to see quite a bit of playing time in his first season.

The 6-foot-4, 242-pound linebacker was a significant disruptor in college. He registered 31 tackles, including nine for loss, 6.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and two forced fumbles in 15 games as a senior.

However, the scouting report on Harrell coming out of school was that he was a straight-line rusher, a technique that could have difficulty finding success at the next level. Since then, though, he has taken the necessary measures to get around NFL offensive linemen.

Are the Titans surprised Harrell is having success?

“I’m not surprised,” Callahan said. “He played in a similar-style defense, and he’s been coached. He came from a blue blood program. Those guys tend to show up. They played in big games. They played in winning programs. They know what it takes, and we’ve seen all that.

“He played a physical brand of football in college, and it turns out he plays a physical brand of football here. He’s been really, really good in the run. He’s developing as a rusher. He’s shown up. He’s got production on the quarterback, but he’s learning how to rush the NFL way, which I think he’s going to improve rapidly in that way, too.”

Harrell and the Titans return to the practice field this week before Sunday’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints.

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Titans coach Brian Callahan won’t comment on Arden Key situation

Titans head coach Brian Callahan remains silent on Arden Key’s suspension, citing that it’s a league issue.

Tennessee Titans edge rusher Arden Key was handed a six-game suspension in July after he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. He, of course, appealed the decision as most players do. But winning an appeal against the NFL is incredibly rare, especially in this situation.

Despite that, it was recently revealed that Key did, in fact, win his appeal and he will not have to serve a suspension. The information didn’t come from the league, though, the news was actually broken on social media by Titans’ defensive end Jeffery Simmons.

Because there has been no formal announcement that Key won his appeal, Titans head coach Brian Callahan is remaining silent on the issue.

Key is entering his seventh year in the NFL. Last year for the Titans he recorded 30 tackles (17 solo), six sacks and two forced fumbles. His production on the field would have been sorely missed as the Titans depth at edge is thin, at best. Even with his return, rookie Jaylen Harrell will likely see playing time this year.

The Titans travel to New Orleans to face the Saints on Sunday. Once the NFL makes its ruling formal, the Titans will be able to utilize Key once again.

Titans’ kicker Brayden Narveson’s 59-yard field goal almost didn’t happen

What a night for Titans rookie kicker Brayden Narveson.

The Seattle Seahawks led the Tennessee Titans 12-10 in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s preseason game when Titans head coach Brian Callahan faced a decision. Should he kick the field goal — from 59 yards out — or punt it away? It was fourth-and-12 and with around eight minutes remaining in the game.

Callahan chose to kick it, and rookie Brayden Narveson delivered, drilling the 59-yarder with room to spare and giving the Titans a late lead. Tennessee would eventually win the game, 16-15, after Narveson hit another field, this one from 46 yards out as time expired.

After the game, Callahan said the 59-yard field goal almost didn’t happen.

“(Special teams coach Colt Anderson) had a ton of trust in him,” Callahan said of Narveson via Alex Daugherty of the Nashville Tennessean. “He works with him very closely and understands the range that he has. Great call by him to push me to kick the field goal,” Callahan said.

Here’s the 59-yarder:

“A 59-yarder is no small feat,” Callahan said. “That’s a grown man kick in the NFL, not easy to hit. That was great for him to put on tape for himself.”

Callahan, of course, is referring to Narveson putting those types of kicks on tape for the other 31 NFL teams, as the Titans are expected to keep veteran Nick Folk as their kicker.

As for Narveson, he said he was right beside Anderson, urging Callahan to let him kick it.

“I was standing right next to him the whole time,” Narveson said. “He was like, ‘You got it?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, I got it,’ so he said, ‘Let’s kick it.’ “

Several teams will possibly be looking for a kicker after next week’s final cutdown day. And arguably, no kicker helped himself more in the preseason than Narveson.

CBS predicts the Titans’ win-loss record for 2024

How many games are the Titans predicted to win in 2024?

How good will the Tennessee Titans be in 2024? Arguably, no team in the AFC underwent more changes this offseason than the Titans, from allowing franchise icon Derrick Henry to walk to Tennessee firing Mike Vrabel for Brian Callahan.

The departures of Henry and Vrabel meant a philosophical change for the Titans. Tennessee no longer employ a run-first, “ground-and-pound” philosophy led by Henry.

Callahan’s mission was simple: Develop second-year quarterback Will Levis. General manager Ran Carthon was busy in free agency, signing wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd and running back Tony Pollard.

The Titans were busy restocking the defense, too. Tennessee brought in standout cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to lead a rebuilt secondary. In the draft, the Titans used their first two picks on an offensive and defensive lineman.

So, how much better will Tennessee be in 2024?

Will Brinson of CBS Sports predicted the win-loss record for every NFL team in 2024. He predicts the Titans will finish 6-11.

Yet another total wild card with the full-blown changeover from a previous regime. For me, it was always going to be a hard sell on whoever replaced Mike Vrabel, but I’m high on Brian Callahan and what this team has in place for 2024. DeAndre Hopkins’ injury is concerning but he should be back early in the regular season, plus the addition of Calvin Ridley gives them a little wiggle room. Callahan bringing his dad, Bill Callahan, is massive for the offensive line, not to mention the addition of JC Latham in the first round. Defensively this team is a total wild card, and if the defense isn’t good we could see the offense throwing the ball a TON. I don’t think the Titans will necessarily be “good” this year, but I think we’ll see enough from Will Levis and the new coaching staff to the point everyone sort of thinks that even a six-win season could be considered a positive step forward.

The Titans play in a winnable division. Yes, the Texans should be excellent, but Tennessee made enough improvements to be a threat in 2024. But so much of the Titans’ success hinges on the development of Levis.

Will Levis: Titans ‘have to get used to winning’

Winning can change a culture and second-year quarterback Will Levis says the Tennessee Titans must get used to the feeling.

The Tennessee Titans took down the San Francisco 49ers, 17-13, at Nissan Stadium in Week 1 of the preseason on Saturday night.

Although it was just an exhibition game, the feeling of victory was a welcomed presence in the locker room. It was made even sweeter by the low expectations surrounding the Titans as they near the regular season.

Second-year quarterback Will Levis, who went 18-8 at Kentucky, knows that winning changes a culture — and these young Titans will have to get used to it.

“We have to get used to winning,” Levis said after the game, via TennesseeTitans.com. “Winning is fun, and there’s a certain responsibility that comes with it. So, hopefully we can do our best in all these games and get a feel for that winning atmosphere, and keep rolling.”

Yes, much of the Titans’ success came when their starters were lined up across from the 49ers’ second team, but you can only play who’s in front of you.

When taking into account that San Francisco is a potential Super Bowl favorite and have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, there’s still room for warranted optimism.

“I thought we did a nice job of putting guys in the position to have success and have a chance to go execute,” head coach Brian Callahan said, via The Tennessean. “That part was good. It was just a combination of guys playing well and doing things right and a little bit of scheme to go along with it.”

There are plenty of things the Titans have to clean up over the next two preseason games, but they’re off to a good start.

Now, as Levis says, they have to continue winning and get used to the feeling.

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Where are the Titans in the latest NFL power rankings?

While the Titans come in low, there is plenty of optimism.

The 2024 Tennessee Titans are one of the NFL’s most mysterious teams. Tennessee underwent more change this offseason than anyone in the NFL outside of the Washington Commanders.

The Titans fired a successful head coach to bring in a first-time head coach. Mike Vrabel’s time in Tennessee seemed to be nearing its end for a while. Not only had the Titans had back-to-back losing seasons, but there were some issues between Vrabel and ownership.

Enter Brian Callahan. Callahan comes to Tennessee with a reputation for developing quarterbacks, which makes him the perfect mentor for Will Levis. The Titans completely revamped the offensive side of the ball this offseason, bringing in players such as Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, Tyler Boyd, Lloyd Cushenberry, and JC Latham.

Tennessee also made significant changes to its defense. Rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, lined up next to Pro Bowl DT Jeffery Simmons, could quickly become the NFL’s best interior duo.

As we begin the first week of the preseason, the Titans and their new coaches and players are surrounded by many unknowns. How good can Tennessee be in 2024?

Eric Edholm of NFL.com released his preseason Week 1 power rankings and had the Titans at No. 28. While that sounds ominous, Edholm mentioned the unknowns surrounding the team and believes most of Tennessee’s changes are positive.

The Titans have undergone major changes on offense and defense, as well as to the coaching staff, and I don’t quite know what to think of all the upheaval yet. I’d say I am mostly positive, but will the makeover result in more wins? A ton obviously depends on Will Levis and his development this season, but you can’t say Tennessee hasn’t at least tried to insulate him well on offense. How it all comes together under a first-year head coach in Brian Callahan is anyone’s guess. There’s probably a wide span of possible results this season, given the sheer number of unknowns here. But I will say that anyone claiming the AFC South is weak might want to step back and measure it against other divisions. There are four teams here that have a shot to finish over .500. It’s not as strong top to bottom as the AFC North, but it might not be terribly far off, either.

That means Edholm believes the Titans are one of the NFL’s worst teams—for now. He sees hope, but many questions must be answered, and those questions begin and end at the quarterback position.

Titans provide key update on WR DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan confirmed that wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will miss several weeks but there was some good news.

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan addressed the media before the team practiced at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park on Saturday morning. Among the several items touched on, the Titans head coach addressed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ injury.

Paul Kuharsky reported last week that the 32-year-old suffered a knee injury in practice. Callahan confirmed the report and indicated that Hopkins “will be out for a few weeks.” However, if there is a silver lining here, the injury will not require surgery.

While Callahan’s update leaves Hopkins’ return open to interpretation, Kuharsky noted that the wide receiver would be sidelined for four to six weeks. In Wednesday’s padded practice, Hopkins was seen wearing a knee wrap, so it is unclear when the injury occurred.

But unlike previous seasons, the Titans are well-positioned to handle Hopkins’ absence. Third-year wide receiver Treylon Burks will surely benefit from a bump in the depth chart. The 24-year-old has looked fantastic in training camp thus far.

Along with Burks, Tennessee added free agents Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, giving the Titans a solid top-three wide receiver group, even without Hopkins. We will see how the latter progresses and if his timeline is shortened.

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Former NFL star Dez Bryant with high praise for Titans WR Treylon Burks

Dez Bryant likes what he sees from Titans WR Treylon Burks.

In two NFL seasons, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks has just 49 receptions for 665 yards and one touchdown — in 21 career games.

To say the No. 18 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft is entering a make-or-break would be an understatement. This offseason, the Titans, tired of waiting for Burks to become a quality starting wide receiver, paid big money to Calvin Ridley in free agency and followed that up by also signing Tyler Boyd.

Two other things going against Burks: General manager Ran Carthon arrived one year after the Titans drafted Burks. Secondly, the Titans hired a new head coach this offseason (Brian Callahan) who has no investment in Burks.

Burks is in a similar position as cornerback Caleb Farley, minus the injuries.

A week into training camp, Burks’s performance has opened some eyes. One rep shared on social media caught the attention of former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant.

The former Dallas star was impressed.

The Titans are in a good position with Burks. They’ve added enough talent around him to not be dependent on him in 2024. Currently, Burks is Tennessee’s No. 4 wideout behind Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Boyd. However, Burks’ combination of size and athleticism could help take the Titans’ offense to another level.

 

Tempers flare during Titans’ training camp with star DT Jeffery Simmons involved

The Titans are in pads for the first time on Tuesday and tempers flared.

Football is back once the pads come on. The Tennessee Titans returned to the practice field Tuesday, and it was the first time since training camp opened last week that the team was in pads.

Of course, when the pads do come on, tensions rise. So, it’s no surprise that a scuffle breaks out on Tennessee’s first day in pads.

Star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and offensive tackle JC Latham were among the first players involved in the first fight of training camp.

According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, “Jeffery Simmons and JC Latham locked up for a few minutes after a snap. Next rep Simmons bull rushed Peter Skoronski to the ground and Tyjae Spears ran by the pile. Arden Key and Leroy Watson threw a couple of punches in a small scrum.”

The fight didn’t last long, though, as head coach Brian Callahan quickly intervened and earned applause from those in attendance.

Football is indeed back.