McCoy Confides in Cam Ward: Titans Aim to Improve Rookie Quarterback

Mike McCoy Details Plan to Improve Cam Ward’s Performance

Tennessee Titans interim coach Mike McCoy addressed the media for the first time on Tuesday, outlining his strategy to boost young quarterback Cam Ward. Ward, in his first six games, has tied for the second-most turnovers in the league, with a total of eight.

“That’s something we need to correct,” McCoy stated. “We saw what happened in the previous game, with certain inaccuracies and the security of the ball in the protection pocket. Those are areas we need to improve, and that’s our task as coaches.”

Mike McCoy

McCoy recalled his experience with other notable quarterbacks, such as Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning, Jake Delhomme, and Trevor Lawrence. Before joining the Titans, McCoy served as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterbacks coach between 2022 and 2024. During his time in Jacksonville, McCoy implemented a positive reinforcement approach with Lawrence, who was in his second season when they began working together. This same strategy will be applied with Ward.

“It will be the same every week,” McCoy explained. “‘You’re improving.’ That’s what I kept telling Trevor and what I’ll tell Cam.”

Mike McCoy

McCoy also revealed that the coaching staff met on Tuesday morning to begin planning for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots in Nashville. The main focus will be on enhancing Ward’s strengths and how they integrate into the overall offensive strategy.

“Our number one focus will be that,” McCoy emphasized. “How we can make Cam more efficient and more successful.”

Mike McCoy

According to McCoy, quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree will continue calling the plays, but with greater involvement from tight ends coach Luke Stocker and running backs coach Randy Jordan. The defensive personnel will remain unchanged. McCoy plans to rely on team leaders to set the tone, especially defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.

“Seeing what Jeff does every day is the reason he dominates every game,” McCoy commented. “His attitude at the end of games, on the bench with the offense, regardless of the score. It’s just an example. We have many veteran players here who know what it means to play this sport every day.”

Mike McCoy

Simmons noted that the Titans had one of their worst practice weeks before the 20-10 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday. When questioned about Simmons’ comments, McCoy revealed that Simmons took the initiative in last week’s practice and demanded to start over, feeling that the lack of energy was not acceptable.

“I love that,” McCoy said. “That’s the accountability factor. He wants to win with so much passion. He’s a great example for any player on this team, to say, ‘If we all play, if we all work with the same daily dedication and go out and play like him on Sundays, great things will happen for this organization.'”

Mike McCoy