The Tennessee Titans have thrust veteran coach Mike McCoy into the interim head coach role, hoping his extensive NFL experience, including a previous head coaching stint, can right a rapidly sinking ship. McCoy, who insists another head coaching opportunity was “the last thing” on his mind, now faces the daunting task of developing rookie quarterback Cam Ward and navigating a challenging schedule, starting with a poignant reunion against former Titans coach Mike Vrabel.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a move that signals a desperate attempt to salvage a faltering season, the Tennessee Titans have appointed Mike McCoy as their interim head coach. McCoy, 53, steps into the role with years of valuable NFL coaching experience, including a four-season tenure as the head coach of the then-San Diego Chargers. His immediate challenge is to stabilize a team currently sitting at a dismal 1-5 record, following the abrupt firing of Brian Callahan.
“It’s invaluable,” McCoy remarked during a Tuesday news conference, reflecting on his past head coaching experience. “Because nobody knows until you’re in this role. You think you’re ready. You’re not ready. There’s so many things that come up on a daily basis that you have to deal with.” This candid admission highlights the immense pressure and unexpected responsibilities that come with leading an NFL franchise, even on an interim basis.
The Abrupt Change of Command
The coaching shake-up occurred swiftly, with McCoy taking the reins on Monday, just one day after the Titans parted ways with Brian Callahan. Callahan’s tenure in Tennessee spanned less than two seasons, concluding with a disappointing 1-5 start to the current campaign and an overall record of 4-19. McCoy, who joined the team in March as a senior offensive assistant, found himself replacing the very man who brought him to Nashville. This unexpected turn of events underscores the volatile nature of NFL coaching.
Sources indicate that McCoy was the most viable option for the interim position within the Titans’ current staff. Special teams coordinator John Fassel, the only other coach with prior interim head coaching experience, had a limited three-game stint with the Rams in 2016, making McCoy’s more extensive background as a former head coach a clear differentiator. Notably, another coach with prior NFL head coaching experience on the Titans’ staff, Bill Callahan (Brian’s father and the offensive line coach), was not considered for the role and subsequently “parted ways” with the team, as confirmed by McCoy.
McCoy himself admitted that returning to an NFL head coaching position was far from his mind. “This was the last thing I thought I’d be doing,” he stated, highlighting the unexpected nature of his current appointment. His return to a leadership role comes after a varied career path that saw him step away from the game temporarily to spend time with his family after serving as Arizona’s offensive coordinator in 2018.
McCoy’s Coaching Journey: From Chargers Head Coach to QB Guru
McCoy’s NFL coaching career is marked by both highs and lows, providing a comprehensive background for his current interim role:
- San Diego Chargers Head Coach (2013-2016): McCoy began his head coaching career at 41, leading the Chargers to a 27-37 record over four seasons. His inaugural season was successful, culminating in a playoff berth and a wild-card victory on the road. However, the team struggled later, losing 23 of his final 32 games before his dismissal after the 2016 season finale, as detailed by the Associated Press.
- Offensive Coordinator Roles: He previously served as offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos (2009-2012) and returned to the position in 2017. He also held the OC role for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018.
- Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterbacks Coach (Past three seasons): Most recently, McCoy was the quarterbacks coach for the Jaguars, where he played a key role in the development of Trevor Lawrence. Under McCoy’s guidance, Lawrence achieved consecutive 4,000-yard passing seasons, amassing 8,129 yards (fifth in the NFL during that span) and 46 touchdown passes (tenth).
His stint in Jacksonville also saw him work alongside current Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz, who was the Jaguars’ passing game coordinator in 2023 before joining Tennessee in 2024. This existing relationship could be a crucial asset as McCoy attempts to integrate his offensive philosophy with the current scheme.
The Cam Ward Conundrum: A Top Priority
One of McCoy’s most critical tasks will be to jumpstart the development of rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick who has struggled significantly through his first six NFL starts. Ward’s statistics paint a grim picture:
- Most sacked NFL quarterback through six starts.
- Ranks 22nd in the league with 1,101 passing yards.
- Only three touchdown passes against four interceptions.
- A passer rating of 67.3.
- Completing just 55% of his passes.
McCoy has a history of working with elite quarterbacks, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers, in addition to his recent success with Trevor Lawrence. He emphasized that the primary focus is tailoring the offense to Ward’s strengths to foster efficiency and success. However, he was quick to broaden the scope of responsibility beyond the young signal-caller, stating, “It’s not just him. There’s 10 other guys in the field with him that have got to do their jobs better too.” This indicates a holistic approach to improving the team’s offensive woes.
The Road Ahead: 11 Games to Prove a Point
The Titans’ performance has been on a downward trend since their stellar 12-5 season in 2021, which earned them the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Each subsequent season has seen fewer wins, and the team now needs two victories in its remaining 11 games just to match last year’s 3-14 record. The pressure on McCoy is immense to demonstrate a tangible improvement.
Immediate Challenges and Coaching Staff Adjustments
McCoy’s first game at the helm will be a high-stakes affair against former Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel and his New England Patriots (4-2). This matchup has added layers of intrigue, with some speculating that Callahan’s firing was a pre-emptive measure by controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk to avoid the optics of losing to her former employee. Vrabel acknowledged the significance of his return to Tennessee, telling New England reporters, “Having spent six years there or seven years there, I think it’ll be nice to see some people that I haven’t seen in a few years that helped us win, players and staff. But we’ve got a huge job here to do as we prepare for them.”
Beyond the head coaching change, the Titans have also adjusted their offensive line coaching staff. With Bill Callahan’s departure, Scott Fuchs and Matt Jones will now oversee the offensive line. Interestingly, quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree will maintain his role calling offensive plays during games, suggesting that McCoy will not immediately take over play-calling duties, at least for the short term.
In terms of roster adjustments, the team made several moves on Tuesday:
- Rookie OLB Oluwafemi Oladejo was placed on injured reserve due to a calf injury sustained in last week’s loss to the Raiders.
- OLB Ali Gaye was signed to the roster from the practice squad.
- OT John Ojukwu was signed back to the practice squad.
- TE Thomas Odukoya was waived.
These changes reflect the ongoing efforts to address immediate team needs and manage the roster amid a challenging season, as reported by the Associated Press.
Fan Outlook: Hope for a New Direction
For the loyal Titans fan base, McCoy’s appointment represents a fresh start, albeit under difficult circumstances. The hope is that his veteran leadership and experience in developing quarterbacks can inject new life into the offense and, specifically, unlock the potential of Cam Ward. The next 11 games will not only determine the trajectory of the Titans’ season but also serve as an audition for McCoy, who now has an unexpected opportunity to re-establish himself as an NFL head coach.
