WATCH: New Titans Coach Brian Callahan Gets Emotional at Introductory Press Conference
It wasn't long into his opening statement that new Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan needed to take a temporary pause. As he began thanking the Cincinnati Bengals organization, the 39-year-old needed an extra minute to collect himself.
Callahan was introduced as the Titans coach on Thursday. He had worked for the Bengals for the previous five seasons as the offensive coordinator. When he began thanking owner Mike Brown, coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin, Callahan was overcome with emotion.
"I would like to thank the Cincinnati Bengals organization — Mike Brown, who is one of the greatest men that I've ever met," Callahan said before taking a long pause.
"I'll get it together in a second, don't worry."
He also thanked vice president and executive vice president Troy and Katie Blackburn. Then, he got emotional again while talking about Taylor.
"You can see how much these people mean to me," Callahan said, fighting back tears. "I'll get it together.
"Most importantly, Zac Taylor. He's a great friend, he's been an incredible mentor and he's a fantastic football coach. Thank you for everything."
Although he had been a quarterbacks coach with the Detroit Lions (2016-17) and Oakland Raiders (2018) and an offensive assistant with the Denver Broncos (2010-15), Cincinnati was the first organization to give Callahan a shot to run an offense.
It was a hire that worked out well for both sides. Clearly, Callahan will be forever grateful for that opportunity.
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