Titans coach Brian Callahan announced on Tuesday that he will cede his responsibilities as offensive play caller to Bo Hardegree, who serves as quarterbacks coach. Nick Holz will continue as offensive coordinator and maintain his duties in game plan development.
I was hired to be the head coach, and part of that process was to be involved in the offense, but my job is to be the head coach of the football team, and I think this change allows me to do that job a little better, pay more attention to some things that may require my attention and be more present.
Brian Callahan
Callahan justified the decision by pointing to the team’s current record, 0-3, and the need to improve. Hardegree’s choice over Holz was based on Hardegree’s experience as interim offensive play caller for nine games with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023.Brian Callahan, con un récord de 3-17 como entrenador de los Titans y superado 94-51, ha cedido las responsabilidades de entrenador de jugadas a Bo Hardegree.Hardegree expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, mentioning his previous experience and the influence of coaches like David Cutcliffe and Adam Gase on his game philosophy.
The Titans’ offense has struggled this season, averaging 17 points per game (28th in the NFL) and scoring only three touchdowns in three games. Despite selecting Cam Ward as the first overall pick, the offense is scoring less than last season’s 18.3 points per game.
Protect the ball and score points. That’s all.
Callahan, who has a 3-17 record with the Titans, explained that the decision to relinquish play-calling responsibilities will allow him to better focus on his duties as head coach and be more involved in all facets of the operational process. Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson confirmed that Callahan was present at the defense’s game plan meeting on Tuesday morning.
The move comes after Callahan made some operational errors in the first two games of the season. In the first game, Callahan did not challenge a reception by Elic Ayomanor that was ruled incomplete. In the second game, Callahan’s indecision on a fourth down resulted in a delay-of-game penalty that affected the team’s field goal attempt.
Callahan assured that the work process will not change significantly. Callahan, Hardegree, and Holz will continue to participate in game planning meetings with Ward. Holz will be in charge of plays on basic downs. Mike McCoy and Tyke Tolbert will continue to be in charge of the game plan in the red zone, while Randy Jordan will be in charge of the screen game.
Our offensive staff and our game planning process and system will remain in place. It’s still a collaborative process. That process doesn’t change. It’s just the plays that at the end of the day on Sunday come out of another person’s mouth. I’ll still be very present in the process.
Brian Callahan
The Titans will face three consecutive away games, starting with the Houston Texans this week, followed by trips to the West Coast to face the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders.
