Mishandling of young QBs doomed Titans HC Brian Callahan

Brian Callahan blamed rookie QB Cam Ward for ugly loss against Las Vegas Raiders

The Titans fell to 1-5 after losing to the Raiders, 20-10, in Week 6. In his postgame news conference, Callahan called out No. 1 overall pick Ward, who had three turnovers (one interception and two fumbles lost) in the loss. 

"I am incredibly discouraged by the outcome," the coach said, via Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper. "We felt good coming into the game. To not be able to perform well on offense and not be able to score any points and then lose the game is disappointing. We all gotta be better, Cam's a part of that, too. Cam's gotta play better football as well. We gotta coach better, we gotta play better, all those things. It's not just all him, but he is a part of it." 

Ward, the 2024 Davey O'Brien Award winner as the top QB in college football, has struggled during his rookie season. Through six starts, the former Miami star has completed 55% of his passes for 1,101 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions, posting a below-average 67.3 passer rating. 

But shouldn't a talented prospect develop under a supposed QB whisperer? Before Tennessee hired him, Callahan served as Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator from 2019-23, where he coached QB Joe Burrow. 

Two-time Pro Bowler Burrow helped Callahan build his reputation as a QB guru. In Tennessee, though, he wasn't that.

Titans QB Will Levis, whom Ward replaced this season, had 13 TD passes and 12 interceptions in 12 games under Callahan in 2024. In one season under Vrabel, the 2023 second-round pick out of Kentucky had eight TD passes and four interceptions in nine games.

Callahan calling out Levis for "dumb" decisions after losses certainly didn't help.

Levis may not have what it takes to become a franchise QB. Still, the Titans have realized Callahan mishandled his development and could be doing the same with Ward. 

Firing Callahan won't save a lost season for Ward and company. However, they can now focus on finding a better coach who will help the 23-year-old passer reach his potential and won't bash him.