Tennessee Titans Head Coaching Vacancy Could Take Shocking Turn

The Titans’ coaching search revealed itself as a closely guarded state secret with intimate details rarely leaking out despite perceived heavy interest in the job. Tennessee’s front office saw fit to relieve former head coach Brian Callahan of his duties in the middle of October. The Athletic’s college football reporters spilled the tea on the latest ongoings in the coaching carousel of that part of the world. Their tea included a spicy morsel that a sitting head coach of a potential CFP program draws the Titans’ interest. Will the Titans shock the world with a surprise in their coaching search? Per The Athletic, here’s the section that has Titans’ fans agog with interest on both sides of the carousel.

“This situation seems to be trending in a positive direction for Rebels fans who would like to keep their coach, but one note of caution: One industry source said there was at least a modicum of interest in Kiffin among decision-makers with the Tennessee Titans.”

Tennessee Titans Head Coaching Vacancy Could Take Shock Turn

Lane Kiffin isn’t the first collegiate head coach connected to Tennessee’s open head coaching vacancy this cycle. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian drew that honor via a report from Diana Russini last month. Coach Kiffin becomes the spiciest name to be associated with the gig. There are remnants of the University of Tennessee’s fanbase who still hold Kiffin in the most contemptuous regard. The offensive savant who brought Nick Saban into the modern era of offensive football is the subject of intense pursuit by multiple SEC programs.

Who is Lane Kiffin?

Ironically, Kiffin and Sarkisian share multiple connective tissues throughout their mutual careers. Both men served on the same USC staff under Pete Carroll. The Ole Miss coach has an indirect link to the Titans as he also learned under the watchful eye of former Titans OC Norm Chow. After his service with the Trojans, he parlayed the job into the Raiders’ head coaching job in 2007. The Raiders were a disaster under his reign, which began at just 32 years of age. Owner Al Davis fired him in 2008 with the dramatic flair of ancient media technology and accusations of impropriety. The coach filed a lawsuit that was later dismissed.

Theatrical Drama

Kiffin’s tumultuous and often mercurial relationship with the state of Tennessee began in 2009 with his lone season in Knoxville. His tenure was brief but memorable for his quips and barbs in the media, often accusing other coaches of engaging in salacious recruiting practices. He then left for the USC job, where he lasted for over two seasons, trying to recover from the fallout of the Reggie Bush scandal.

The former USC coach delivered on his panache of dramatic exits when he was fired at LAX after a loss. Kiffin used his time wisely for three seasons as Alabama OC, piloting the Tide’s offense to greater heights under Saban. Delivering on a great flair for the dramatic, he was relieved of his duties before a national championship loss. The reason cited was that he needed time to focus on his next head coaching job at FAU. Interestingly, Sark replaced Kiffin at USC and at Alabama.

After three seasons at FAU, he was named the head coach of Ole Miss for the 2020 season. He’s led the Rebels to previously unheard-of success, garnering 10 more wins in four of five seasons.

What could it mean for the Tennessee Titans?

Kiffin has had success with a variety of quarterback styles, making him an ideal candidate for an NFL team looking to fuel its offense. However, his time in Oakland will bring some pause, but Kiffin is mature as a man in his 40s. Tennessee has a youthful offense that needs direction, and he would be a good fit in that regard, armed with an interesting rolodex of assistants to call upon. He’s an offensive genius who elevates that side of the ball wherever he goes. The Titans could go in this direction, but are more likely to interview him to gather ideas on how to improve Cam Ward. If there is a legitimate interest between the two, they must strike quickly, given the hot and heavy interest elsewhere.

What could it mean for Ole Miss?

The playoff-contending Rebels are in the midst of their best season, but have to deal with the whims of the coaching carousel. The 2025 coaching cycle is wild, with powerhouse programs like Penn State, Florida, and LSU vacant. Ole Miss will need to fend off interest from Florida and LSU in particular, given the resources of those programs. Kiffin is reportedly happy in Oxford, but history shows that he has a wandering eye. The social media savant clearly marches to his own beat, poking bears and coaching great offenses. Attempting to fend off P2 interest is one thing, but can the Rebels withstand an NFL team that offers money and a better quality of life? The Rebels will find out in the next couple of weeks and months ahead.