Titans' Brian Callahan Explains What Traits He Wants From Quarterbacks

Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan has mentored some of the best quarterbacks the NFL has seen — Peyton Manning, Joe Burrow, and Matthew Stafford, to name a few. What does he look for when scouting the position? He named three things.

INDIANAPOLIS — The term "quarterback whisperer" is mentioned frequently when bringing up the name of new Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan. He's worked with some of the best names in the game, including Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, Joe Burrow, Derek Carr, and Matthew Stafford.

It's easy to see how Callahan has earned a reputation as a guy who can get the most out of the position. What's his secret to finding success coaching quarterbacks?

He didn't quite give reporters that answer when speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, but he did reveal some characteristics that he values most when it comes to scouting the position.

"I look for three things: Decision-making, timing and accuracy. And if you have those things, and you're tough, generally speaking you can find a way to work at the quarterback position," he said. 

In Nashville, Callahan inherits second-year quarterback Will Levis, who started his career in Tennessee at third on the depth chart. 

Last season, Levis threw for 1,808 yards and eight touchdowns with only four interceptions. He also completed 58.4 percent of his passes.

Though Callahan does have three traits he looks for in each quarterback, he doesn't want to pigeon-hole a player who might have a more unique set of skills.

"The quarterback position, if we were all great at it, you'd probably see a lot more success drafting them. They come in all shapes and sizes now, and I think that's ultimately what's changed the most," Callahan said. "There's an open mind to all the different ways a quarterback can play football. There's all different style, all different types."

Callahan didn't dive into the specifics of what he expects from Levis — or if he has specific qualities that need tweaking in the offseason. But he did say that in today's NFL, there are multiple different ways players can find success at quarterback.

"It's not an exact science, everybody looks for things differently, but I do think everyone's realized there's a lot of different ways the position can be played."

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