Tracking the Comings and Goings on Brian Callahan's Titans Coaching Staff

Coach Brian Callahan is moving quickly to fill out his coaching staff. Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson is the Tennessee Titans' new defensive coordinator. Tyke Tolbert is wide receivers coach. And the next offensive line coach is expected to be — drum roll — Brian's father Bill.

Nubyjas Wilborn | Jan 31, 2024

Tracking the Comings and Goings on Brian Callahan's Titans Coaching Staff /

NASHVILLE — There are many moving parts in building the Tennessee Titans coaching staff, and this is Brian Callahan's first time as a head coach, so he will take extra care in getting it right.

"We're going to get the right people," Callahan said during his introductory press conference. "We're going to find great teachers. We're going to find people of high character, find great communicators, and guys that coach with great energy and passion. And so that's what we're looking for. And we hope to find them. We're going to leave no stone unturned to find those guys."

While president of football operations Chad Brinker and the scouting team are in Mobile, Ala., evaluating college football talent at the 2024 Senior Bowl, Callahan and executive vice president/general manager Ran Carthon are interviewing coaching candidates in Nashville at the team facility.

Here are the comings and goings so far with Callahan's staff:

On Friday (Feb. 2), the Titans hired Nick Holz, who oversaw the passing game for the Jacksonville Jaguars, as their new offensive coordinator and reunited high school football teammates. Holz and Brian Callahan, both 39, played together at De La Salle (Calif.) High School, one of the most successful programs in prep football history. Bill Callahan, Brian's father, also gave Holz his first coaching job at the University of Nebraska. Speaking of Bill Callahan ...
A report Thursday (Feb. 1) from Cleveland.com says that Brian Callahan is hiring his father Bill to rebuild the Titans' offensive line. Bill Callahan, 67, is entering his 45th year as a football coach. He has long been regarded as one of the best teachers of offensive line play.
AllTitans.Com confirmed reports that Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson is set to become the Titan's new defensive coordinator. The Ravens had one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL in 2023. They allowed the fewest points and Pro Football Focus graded the Ravens defense and their pass coverage as second-best in the league.
Callahan made his second hire on Thursday (Feb. 1). Tyke Tolbert, a longtime NFL assistant who most recently was passing game coordinator for the Chicago Bears, will coach Titans wide receivers.
Recent reports indicated that the team considered keeping incumbent defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Callahan faced Bowen three times as the Cincinnati Bengals, including last season's 27-3 Titans win. The Bengals' usually productive offense averaged fewer than 20 points per game against Bowen's defenses. It's uncertain if Bowen will take another role on the staff or move on.
According to multiple reports, game coordinator Jason Outten has a chance to remain on Callahan's staff. Outten finished his first season with the Titans.
Cleveland Browns defensive backs coach Brandon Lynch interviewed for the defensive coordinator role Monday, according to multiple reports.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis is one of three candidates to interview for the offensive coordinator job. According to reports, Lewis interviewed on Monday with the Titans. Lewis played a significant role in the resurrection of former No.1 pick Baker Mayfield's career, leading to the Bucs winning the NFC South.
Jacksonville Jaguars passing-game coordinator Nick Holz also interviewed on Monday for the offensive coordinator job. According to the NFL Network, Holz worked with Callahan at the Raiders and is a "top candidate."
The Titans also are interested in interviewing Miami Dolphins associate head coach/running back coach Eric Studesville.
Terrell Williams, assistant head coach and defensive line coach under Mike Vrabel, is joining Dan Campbell's staff in Detroit as defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator.
Tight ends coach Tony Dews took a running backs coaching job with the New York Jets. Wide receiver coach Rob Moore is taking a similar position with the Carolina Panthers.
According to multiple reports, the Titans have fired offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, passing game coordinator Charles London, outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow, inside linebackers coach Bobby King, offensive line coach Jason Houghtaling, special teams coach Tom Quinn, and director of football administration John Streicher.
Houghtaling's exit opens the door for the Titans to bring in Callahan's father, Bill, as offensive line coach. But Bill Callahan is under contract with the Browns, so there would have to be some cooperation from the Browns to let Bill out of his contract.
There is precedent of a team letting a coach out of his contract. The Miami Dolphins let defensive coordinator Vic Fangio go to the Philadelphia Eagles. Fangio is from Pennsylvania and wanted to get closer to home.

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