Titans Head Coach Makes Significant Change To Coaching Staff

Titans Head Coach Makes Significant Change To Coaching Staff

Brian Callahan made the changeover in playcalling duties during an unscheduled press conference on Tuesday. It was past time for the coach to make the change in coaching staff roles, as he appeared overwhelmed at times, juggling playcalling and making decisions. Interestingly, Quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree got the nod over listed offensive coordinator Nick Holz.

Perhaps this move allows Callahan to make better in-game adjustments, as it is ongoing and has resulted in repeated failures this season. In week one, he failed to notice a potentially reviewable catch by Elic Ayomanor. Week two saw a different, but more egregious error in being conservative, as the team played for a field goal at halftime when Tennessee had momentum. Last Sunday saw similar coaching malpractice as Callahan opted to play for the field goal once again, but a hilarity of errors marred it.

Offensive Coordinator (by title) Nick Holz remains in his role designing game plans alongside Callahan and Hardegree. The new playcaller will retain his role coaching quarterbacks, namely budding rookie star Cam Ward and his backups. Callahan appeared to be extremely forthcoming in his justifications for the Titans’ coaching staff roles, per Paul Kuharsky.

Callahan retains overall say in matters, as any head coach should and would. It is interesting that RB coach Randy Jordan is in charge of screens. The screen plays for this offense are an unmitigated disaster throughout multiple coaching staffs. It’s just Jordan’s turn at the wheel at botching them. The move to Hardegree adds another layer of surprise as Senior Offensive Assistant Mike McCoy has HC and OC experience. Where does this leave Nick Holz in the hierarchy of horrendously mismanaged incompetence?

What did he say?

“I’ve had zero disappointment in my play-calling. I don’t have any disappointment in that at all. But it’s just more so I can see the rest of it — see the big picture better.”

Well, his coaching record says that Callahan should be more than disappointed. Enraged at himself and his staff, even. How he comes to this conclusion is mind-boggling, given the abysmally poor results over the year and the change in evidence.

“The play-calling thing sometimes gets a little bit overblown, if you will. Because everyone’s got a role…”

The buck stops at the desk of the head coach, much to Callahan’s chagrin. Yes, everyone has a role in designing the offense, but the head coach is ultimately held responsible. His fate is tied to how successful or not Hardegree can rescue Callahan from the crevasses of his own making.

Indeed, it happens to coaches who are looking into the abyss of unemployment if they don’t change what they are doing. Successful coaches have a coherent plan if things go south or coordinators leave for promotions. This move reeks of desperation for job retention under management that didn’t hire him. Callahan may have made the decision, but the front office surely nudged him there.

Who is Bo Hardegree?

The native son of the Volunteer State returned home to serve on Callahan’s first staff as quarterbacks coach in 2024. He retained the role prior to his ascension to being the playcaller for the 2025 season. Hardegree played college football for the University of Tennessee from 2004 to 2007. The quarterbacks coach started his pro coaching career on the same staff in Denver with Callahan in 2014. After stints with the Dolphins and Bears, he had success with both the Jets and Patriots, mentoring Sam Darnold and Mac Jones. Before he arrived in Tennessee, Hardegree got playcalling experience with the Raiders, coaching Derek Carr, Aiden O’Connell, and Jarrett Stidham to relative success. The former Raiders OC earned the role of playcaller in 2023 after the termination of Josh McDaniels, who is the Patriots OC for a third time, tutoring Drake Maye.

During his stay in Sin City, he led an offensive renaissance as seen below, courtesy of Justin Graver.

It makes sense for the playcalling duties to go to Hardegree, given his pedigree and relationship with rookie Cam Ward. Now, can he turn around the flailing offense that struggled under the weight of an overworked and overthinking Callahan? The head coach will have input and expect his cadre of assistants to pore over the game plan as well. While Titans fans shouldn’t expect fireworks to open the gates, modest improvements would be nice.