Titans Coach Admits Misinterpretation of Catch Rule in Loss to Broncos

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said he learned he made a gigantic mistake from the beginning. This flub occurred while on his team’s most recent 20-12 loss to the Denver Broncos. As everyone and their mother elucidated for him afterwards, Callahan had gotten this very important catch rule wrong. As such, he decided against contesting the officials’ half-hearted review that negated a 23-yard catch by rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor.

The tackle took place at a very important time within the sport. We’ll never know for sure, but a successful challenge there could have flipped the momentum to the Titans’ favor. Callahan, reflecting on his decision after the game, stated, “My interpretation of the rule was wrong.” He explained that he believed for a catch to be valid, not only must a player secure the ball but a foot must come down in addition to any other body part.

Callahan knew he was right about the rules. He conceded that he wasn’t able to definitely tell if Ayomanor was able to get a foot down before the pass was called incomplete. This uncertainty was a massive factor in his decision not to challenge the call, either. He noted, “An elbow doesn’t equal two feet, so his foot would’ve had to come down as well.”

Just because Rob Riederer, director of game management and strategic initiatives for the Titans, might have advised Callahan to challenge the play. His experience might have saved us in that moment. Callahan was not forthcoming about whether he received any instructions from the league’s office of game operation on that particular challenge. He said this department had staff on hand who could have given direction throughout the game.

In addressing his post-game comments, Callahan remarked, “I’m well aware of the rule, I understand how it works, and the way that I articulated it afterwards was incorrect. I understand the rules of this game pretty well.” Here’s his little pause before explaining why he committed to doing better. He understands the impact of his decisions on the overall success of the game.

The Titans’ focus shifts now to regrouping and learning from this experience as they get ready for their next slate of games. Callahan has admitted this blunder. Now, he and his coaching staff are committed to improving their decision-making processes in critical late game situations.