The Tennessee Titans have made a significant decision by firing head coach Brian Callahan following a disappointing start to the 2024 season. With a record of 1-5, the team is eager to turn things around for quarterback Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Titans Fire Brian Callahan
Callahan, who joined the Titans in 2024, struggled to find success in his tenure, finishing with a 4-19 record. The Titans now find themselves in search of a new leader to guide Cam Ward in his rookie season. Interim coach Mike McCoy has stepped in to fill the gap.
Titans Struggling Offensively
- Ranking last in the NFL for yards per game.
- Averaging only 13.8 points per game, placing them second-to-last in scoring.
- Ward has 1,101 passing yards, a 55% completion rate, three touchdowns, and four interceptions so far this season.
Coaching Changes Across the League
The landscape for top NFL quarterbacks has seen notable upheaval recently. Over the past few years, the first overall picks have faced early coaching changes. This cohort includes Cam Ward, Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears (2024), Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers (2023), and Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars (2021).
Chicago Bears’ Struggles with Caleb Williams
The Bears, who selected Caleb Williams, experienced a rollercoaster season. After an optimistic 4-2 start, they faced a dire turning point with a dramatic loss to the Washington Commanders, which marked the beginning of a ten-game losing streak. Head coach Matt Eberflus was subsequently fired in Week 13.
- Williams threw for 3,541 yards, recorded 20 touchdowns, and faced 68 sacks in his rookie year.
- Chicago ended the season with a record of 5-12.
Carolina Panthers’ Challenges with Bryce Young
In 2023, Bryce Young was drafted by the Panthers and inherited a challenging situation under head coach Frank Reich. A dismal start of 1-10 led to Reich’s firing, giving way to interim coach Chris Tabor.
- Young finished his rookie year with a completion rate of 59.8%, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
- Carolina’s overall record was 2-15.
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence was selected by the Jaguars in 2021, joining Urban Meyer in his first NFL coaching role. Their time was marred by controversy and ended with Meyer being fired after a 2-11 start.
- Lawrence’s rookie statistics included 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
- The Jaguars finished with a record of 3-14, allowing them to secure another first overall pick.
As the Titans look to right the ship with new leadership, the precedent of high-profile draft picks and their rookie struggles continues to unfold. The NFL landscape remains dynamic as franchises search for stability among their coaching staff and quarterbacks alike.
