Now, the Tennessee Titans are pulling an unexpected electric euthanasia on their struggling season with a popular gamble. After losing to fall to an embarrassing 0-3 record, head coach Brian Callahan has relinquished playcalling duties to Bo Hardegree. This decision comes after Callahan’s tenure has been famously fraught with a dour 3-17 record with the franchise. The Titans, currently averaging only 17 points per game and having scored just three touchdowns across their first three games, are looking for a turnaround amid mounting fan discontent.
The team eventually made the decision to allow Hardegree to take over playcalling responsibilities. This move will allow Callahan to devote more time to his head coaching duties. He most recently was the Las Vegas Raiders’ interim offensive coordinator for nine games in 2023. He shared his appreciation for the opportunity that was afforded to him. He discussed how coaching legends like David Cutcliffe and Adam Gase influenced his offensive playcalling philosophy. This importation underlines a new direction in how the Titans plan to combat their offensive woes.
Fans took to social media to voice their anger and disappointment. After a brutal 41-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Bengals fans chanted “fire Brian Callahan” at Paul Brown Stadium during a game. After being outscored 94-51 through the first three games of the season, Jack Del Rio’s Titans’ D has decidedly underwhelmed, especially by many fans’ expectations.
Callahan’s decision-making has been deservedly criticized, most notably after a head-scratching moment in the season opener against the Denver Broncos. He decided against challenging the incompletion call on Elic Ayomanor’s grab. He thought the receiver failed to maintain a foot in bounds. Replays indicate that Ayomanor’s elbow had landed in bounds before he fell out of play, raising questions about Callahan’s judgment.
Additionally, a delay of game penalty on a fourth down situation further compounded the team’s issues, pushing kicker Joey Slye’s field goal attempt from 57 yards to 62 yards. It’s not all Tannehill’s fault—the Titans’ offense has been the worst in the league, scoring 28th fewest points in the NFL. That makes the incoming leadership change all the more important to ensure their success.
Callahan was eager to point out this recent progress. He announced that Hardegree will be calling the plays, but Callahan will remain heavily involved in the weekly game plan.
“It’s still a collaborative process. It doesn’t change that process. It’s just the plays are at the end of the day on Sunday, coming out of somebody else’s mouth. I’ll still be very present in the process.” – Brian Callahan
Hardegree now finds himself in the role of playcaller. On the field, Nick Holz will continue to serve as offensive coordinator, focused on developing game plans and strategies that work. Mike McCoy and Tyke Tolbert still need to develop the red zone game plan. In the meantime, Randy Jordan will lead the screen plays.
“Protect the ball and score points. That’s it.” – Bo Hardegree
Those next three games will be an important proving ground for Hardegree and the Titans’ offense in general. What better way to start the comeback than at the very beginning of the season. With changes in leadership and strategy, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how this new direction unfolds on the field.
The upcoming games will serve as a critical test for both Hardegree and the Titans’ offense as they aim to reverse their fortunes early in the season. With changes in leadership and strategy, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how this new direction unfolds on the field.
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