Potential Head Coaches Linked to the Tennessee Titans Opening

In the wake of the Tennessee Titans’ midseason shakeup—including the firing of head coach Mike Vrabel—the franchise’s search for a permanent leader has become the focal point of its 2025 rebuild. With a 3-7 start exposing systemic issues on both offense and defense, the Titans need a coach who can unify a fractured locker room, maximize the potential of young players like quarterback Will Levis, and reestablish a winning identity in the competitive AFC South. Potential Head Coaches Linked to the Tennessee Titans Opening explores the top candidates reportedly on the team’s radar, their coaching philosophies, and how each could address the Titans’ most pressing needs. For the Titans, this hire isn’t just about fixing a bad season—it’s about setting the course for the next five to ten years of franchise success.

Potential Head Coaches Linked to the Tennessee Titans Opening begins with the name at the top of most reports: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. A rising star in NFL coaching circles, Johnson has built one of the league’s most dynamic offenses in Detroit, leading the Lions to back-to-back playoff appearances with a scheme that balances explosive passing (ranked 4th in yards per game in 2025) and a physical running game (ranked 7th). What makes Johnson a perfect fit for the Titans is his ability to tailor offenses to his quarterback’s strengths—he turned Jared Goff, once written off as a bust, into a Pro Bowl-caliber player. For the Titans, this skill could be transformative for Levis, a young QB with arm strength but inconsistent decision-making. Johnson also has ties to the Titans’ front office: he worked with general manager Ran Carthon in Detroit from 2021 to 2023, creating a preexisting trust that could speed up the rebuild. “Ben knows how to build an offense that’s both effective and sustainable,” an NFL source close to the Titans told ESPN. “He doesn’t force a system—he builds around what his players do best, which is exactly what the Titans need right now.”

Another top candidate linked to the Titans is Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, a coach whose expertise could address one of the franchise’s biggest weaknesses: a defense that plummeted from 10th in points allowed in 2023 to 28th in 2025. Macdonald, a protégé of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, has built a defense that’s consistently among the NFL’s best—Baltimore ranks 3rd in sacks (42) and 2nd in interceptions (18) in 2025, using a flexible 3-4/4-3 hybrid scheme that confuses quarterbacks and disrupts opposing offenses. For the Titans, Macdonald’s ability to develop young defensive talent is particularly appealing: he turned Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh from a raw prospect into a 12-sack player, and could do the same for Titans defensive end Jeffery Simmons, a Pro Bowler who has underperformed in 2025. While Macdonald has no prior head coaching experience, his track record of building dominant defenses has made him a sought-after candidate across the league. Potential Head Coaches Linked to the Tennessee Titans Opening notes that Macdonald’s focus on discipline and fundamentals could also help fix the Titans’ issues with penalties (10.5 per game in 2025, 26th in the NFL) and defensive lapses.

Potential Head Coaches Linked to the Tennessee Titans Opening also includes a familiar name for NFL fans: former Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich. Unlike Johnson and Macdonald, Reich brings extensive head coaching experience—he led the Colts to two playoff appearances and guided the Panthers through a rebuilding year in 2024—making him a safe but strategic choice for a Titans team in need of stability. Reich’s greatest strength is his quarterback development: he helped turn Carson Wentz into a Pro Bowler in Philadelphia and maximized Philip Rivers’ final NFL season in Indianapolis. For the Tennessee Titans, Reich could provide much-needed mentorship for Levis, helping the young QB refine his decision-making and poise under pressure. Reich also has a history of building balanced offenses that rely on both passing and running—a fit for the Titans, who still have a top-tier running back in Derrick Henry (even as he enters the final year of his contract). “Frank is a leader who knows how to navigate rebuilds,” a Titans team insider told NFL Network. “He doesn’t panic when things get tough, and he has a proven track record of getting the most out of his quarterbacks. That’s exactly what we need right now.”

A dark-horse candidate linked to the Titans is Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, a coach with a unique blend of head coaching experience (he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011) and recent success building elite defenses. Morris has helped the Rams bounce back from a 5-12 season in 2024 to a 7-3 start in 2025, using a aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme that ranks 5th in the NFL in points allowed (18.2 per game). What sets Morris apart is his ability to connect with players—he’s known for his energetic leadership style and willingness to listen to his team, a trait that could help rebuild trust in the Titans’ locker room after the midseason shakeup. For the Tennessee Titans, Morris’ experience with both rebuilding and contending teams makes him versatile: he can manage the short-term challenge of keeping the team competitive while laying the groundwork for long-term success. Morris also has ties to the AFC South, having served as a defensive assistant with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013, giving him familiarity with the Titans’ division rivals.

Potential Head Coaches Linked to the Tennessee Titans Opening concludes with what the Titans’ front office will prioritize in their final decision: alignment on vision. Whether they choose Johnson (offensive innovation), Macdonald (defensive dominance), Reich (stability and QB development), or Morris (versatility and player connection), the new coach must work with Carthon to define the franchise’s identity—whether that’s a pass-heavy offense built around Levis, a run-first attack that leans on Henry, or a balanced approach that emphasizes defense. The coach must also be willing to make tough decisions about the roster, including whether to re-sign Henry, invest in Levis long-term, or pursue a top quarterback in the 2026 draft. For the Tennessee Titans, this hire is a crossroads: the right choice could turn the franchise back into a contender, while the wrong one could prolong the rebuild and alienate fans further. “We’re not just looking for a coach—we’re looking for a leader who can bring this team together,” Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a recent statement. “Someone who shares our commitment to winning the right way, developing our young players, and making this franchise proud again.” As the search continues, one thing is clear: the Titans’ next head coach will have the chance to leave an indelible mark on a franchise in need of a fresh start.