At Pro Bowl, Peyton Manning Doubles Down With Praise for Titans Coach Brian Callahan

Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning worked with new Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan for four seasons with the Denver Broncos and they won a Super Bowl together. Manning has high praise for Callahan and Derrick Henry.

NASHVILLE — Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning will coach against his brother Eli Manning in Sunday's Pro Bowl.

Manning spoke to Jim Wyatt of tennesseetitans.com about several subjects, including his affection for new Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan.

At the #ProBowlGames: Peyton Manning on new #Titans HC Brian Callahan. The two were together with the @Broncos.

🎥 pic.twitter.com/FU87puAcZa

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 2, 2024

"He's extremely hard-working, he's smart, he's grown up around football, he's tough," Manning told tennesseetitans.com. "He's been in different coaching environments – Denver, Detroit, Cincinnati, the Raiders. So, he's seen how it works different places, and I'm sure he's learned some things to do, and maybe what not to do.”

Callahan started with the Denver Broncos in 2010, then moved to an offensive quality control position in 2011-12. He was an offensive assistant for the team from 2013-15.

"He has earned this opportunity, he's paid his dues, he's done the grunt work. He and I used to text at 1 o'clock in the morning. He was over at the complex still, breaking film down and was not leaving any time soon. I appreciated his work ethic during my time in Denver, and that is not going to leave him ever. The Titans are getting a guy who is going to give it everything he has. He is assembling a good staff, and I'm pulling hard for him."

Manning also believes Titans running back Derrick Henry and Callahan would work well together. Henry is one of the 24 Titans' free agents. 

Peyton Manning from the #ProBowlGames: “Brian Callahan would love Derrick Henry, and vice versa.”#Titans @KingHenry_2

🎥 pic.twitter.com/PrTmfxxI9X

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 2, 2024

"Brian Callahan would love Derrick Henry, and vice versa. Obviously, the business side comes into play, and that's up for (general manager) Ran Carthon and his staff to decide," Manning said. “But Brian Callahan appreciates a good running game, his dad (Bill) is coming over (to coach the o-line), and his dad is the best line coach in the NFL. I know he appreciates a good back."

The Titans have publicly stated that they are willing to welcome Henry back.

"A player like Derrick Henry fits in every offense," Callahan said. "He's been a remarkable player. He's been the face of the franchise here for a long time. When you think of the Tennessee Titans, you think of Derrick Henry. ... If he's open to a return, that fits for us. I'm never going to say no to good players."

Check out the rest of the Manning interview on the Titans website. 

Related Titans Stories

• HIGH SCHOOL REUNION: Jacksonville Jaguars passing game coordinator Nick Holz will become the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator. Holz and Titans coach Brian Callahan were teammates at De La Salle High School in California. Bill Callahan, Brian's father, gave Holz his first coaching job at Nebraska. CLICK HERE
• TITANS EXPECT TO HIRE BILL CALLAHAN: Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan reportedly will hire his father, Bill, to coach the Titans' offensive line. During his four decades in the NFL, Bill Callahan has been regarded as one of the best teachers of offensive line play. CLICK HERE
• MIKE VRABEL GETS SHUT OUT: All eight NFL coaching vacancies have been filled, which means former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel could be on the outside looking in this season. CLICK HERE