The Tennessee Titans are in a transitional phase as they look to rebound from a disappointing 3-14 season. Holding the #1 overall pick in the draft, it’s clear that there’s a pressing need for change, but the focus here is on the coaching horizon for the 2026 offseason. One name coming up with increasing frequency in discussions is Mike McCarthy, the former head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Now, before we dive deeper into why McCarthy could be an excellent fit for the Titans moving forward, let’s not forget the current head coach, Brian Callahan. After a challenging campaign, Callahan remains in the position largely due to the promise of a fresh start this coming season, especially with a franchise quarterback expected to show significant growth. However, the NFL is a results-driven league, and that brings us to the scrutiny of his potential tenure.
The Titans have been caught in a whirlwind of changes at both the general manager and head coach positions over recent years. Here’s a quick look at the recent shuffle: In 2022, the franchise opted to side with Mike Vrabel, letting go of Jon Robinson. The following season saw a forced partnership between Ran Carthon and Vrabel, only for Carthon to choose to retain Callahan after firing Vrabel. Fast forward to 2025, and if things don’t turn around, we could see another shifting of the guard.
The trend of firing head coaches in their second year isn’t exclusive to Tennessee either. Recent seasons have shown that even coaches with hope on the horizon, like Matt Eberflus in Chicago and Doug Pederson in Jacksonville, have found themselves out of a job. It’s a reality that Callahan needs to be mindful of, especially with the pressures that come in a league that emphasizes the mantra of “what have you done for me lately?”
Now, why exactly does Mike McCarthy stand out as a viable candidate for the Titans? It goes beyond just his Super Bowl credentials. While Mike Borgonzi occupies the general manager role, it’s Chad Brinker who ultimately carries the decision-making authority. Brinker’s past association with McCarthy during their time in Green Bay could lay a foundation for a smoother transition should the Titans decide to make a change. The familiarity could help foster a cohesive strategic vision that this franchise desperately seeks.
Switching head coaches again, however, is a double-edged sword. Callahan deserves a full season to prove himself—particularly with a focus on righting the ship with a young, developing quarterback. The looming specter of another new coach can hinder growth, especially for someone who would be entering his fourth coaching regime in just as many seasons. A constant turnover can create instability, rather than the successful environment that’s needed to foster improvement.
The Titans have invested time and resources into building a staff that aligns with Callahan’s vision, including hiring his father, Bill Callahan, as the offensive line coach. These relationships are not insignificant; they symbolize a commitment to the current direction of the franchise.
Ultimately, while the allure of an established coach like McCarthy is compelling, it’s vital for the Titans’ leadership to weigh the potential consequences of another coaching change. Stability is often the cornerstone of success in the NFL, and Callahan may just need time to cultivate that. As the 2026 offseason approaches, the decisions that lie ahead will shape the very fabric of this franchise for years to come.
