Top Coaching Prospects for the Tennessee Titans Position

As the Tennessee Titans navigate a pivotal rebuild following a 3-7 midseason slump and the firing of head coach Mike Vrabel, their search for a permanent leader has narrowed to a group of elite coaching prospects. Each candidate brings a unique set of skills—from offensive innovation to defensive dominance to proven quarterback development—that could address the Titans’ most pressing issues: a stagnant offense, a struggling defense, and uncertainty at the quarterback position with Will Levis. Top Coaching Prospects for the Tennessee Titans Position breaks down the leading candidates, their track records, and how they might align with the Titans’ long-term vision of returning to AFC South contention. For the Titans, this hire isn’t just about fixing a single season; it’s about selecting a leader who can unify the locker room, maximize young talent, and build a winning culture that lasts.

Top Coaching Prospects for the Tennessee Titans Position starts with the most talked-about candidate: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. A rising star in NFL coaching, Johnson has established himself as a master of building dynamic, adaptable offenses. In Detroit, he transformed Jared Goff—once labeled a “bust” by many analysts—into a Pro Bowl quarterback, leading the Lions to back-to-back playoff appearances with a scheme that balances explosive passing (4th in the NFL in passing yards in 2025) and a physical running game (7th in rushing yards). What makes Johnson a perfect fit for the Titans is his ability to tailor his offense to his quarterback’s strengths—a skill that would be invaluable for Levis, a young signal-caller with arm strength but inconsistent decision-making. Johnson also has a preexisting relationship with Titans general manager Ran Carthon, who worked with him in Detroit from 2021 to 2023, fostering trust that could streamline the rebuild. “Ben doesn’t force a one-size-fits-all system,” an NFL source close to the Titans told ESPN. “He looks at what his players do best—whether that’s Levis’ deep ball or Derrick Henry’s rushing ability—and builds around it. That’s exactly what the Titans need to unlock their offensive potential.” Johnson’s focus on rhythm and ball security (the Lions have the 5th-fewest turnovers in 2025) also addresses the Titans’ issues with turnovers (18 this season, 23rd in the NFL).

Another top prospect for the Titans is Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, a coach whose expertise directly targets the franchise’s biggest weakness: a defense that has plummeted from 10th in points allowed in 2023 to 28th in 2025. A protégé of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, Macdonald has built one of the NFL’s most feared defenses, leading Baltimore to rank 3rd in sacks (42) and 2nd in interceptions (18) this season. His signature is a flexible 3-4/4-3 hybrid scheme that confuses quarterbacks with pre-snap disguises and disrupts opposing offenses with aggressive blitz packages. For the Titans, Macdonald’s ability to develop young defensive talent is particularly appealing: he turned raw edge rusher Odafe Oweh into a 12-sack player in Baltimore, and could do the same for Titans defensive end Jeffery Simmons, a Pro Bowler who has underperformed in 2025 due to scheme misalignment. While Macdonald has no head coaching experience, his track record of building dominant defenses and his focus on discipline (the Ravens have the 8th-fewest penalties in 2025) make him a low-risk, high-reward candidate. Top Coaching Prospects for the Tennessee Titans Position notes that Macdonald’s defensive acumen would also complement the Titans’ existing strengths, allowing Henry’s running game to take center stage while the defense keeps games close.

Top Coaching Prospects for the Tennessee Titans Position also highlights former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich, a candidate who brings proven leadership and quarterback development experience—two areas the Titans desperately need. Reich has a history of turning struggling quarterbacks into winners: he helped Carson Wentz earn a Pro Bowl nod in Philadelphia, maximized Philip Rivers’ final NFL season in Indianapolis, and guided the Colts to two playoff appearances. For the Tennessee Titans, Reich’s ability to mentor Levis could be transformative. He excels at simplifying complex offensive concepts for young QBs, helping them make quicker decisions and avoid costly mistakes—something Levis (5 interceptions in 4 starts) desperately needs. Reich also has experience navigating rebuilds, having led the Panthers through a transitional season in 2024 with a focus on player development. “Frank is a leader who knows how to calm a locker room during tough times,” a Titans team insider said. “He doesn’t panic when things go wrong; he focuses on incremental improvement. That’s exactly what the Titans need right now—stability, not chaos.” Reich’s balanced offensive philosophy (he prioritizes both passing and running) also aligns with the Titans’ roster, which still features Henry, a Pro Bowl-caliber running back, and young playmakers like tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.

A dark-horse prospect gaining traction for the Titans is Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, a coach with a unique blend of head coaching experience and recent success. Morris led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011 and has since rebuilt his reputation as a defensive mastermind, guiding the Rams from a 5-12 season in 2024 to a 7-3 start in 2025 with a blitz-heavy defense that ranks 5th in points allowed (18.2 per game). What sets Morris apart is his ability to connect with players—he’s known for his energetic, player-first leadership style, which could help rebuild trust in the Titans’ locker room after the midseason shakeup. For the Tennessee Titans, Morris’ versatility is a major asset: he has experience coaching both offense and defense, giving him a holistic view of the game, and he’s comfortable adjusting his scheme to fit his roster. Morris also has familiarity with the AFC South, having served as a defensive assistant with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013, which could give the Titans an edge against division rivals like the Jaguars and Houston Texans. “Raheem doesn’t just coach X’s and O’s—he coaches people,” said a Rams player who worked with Morris. “He listens to what his players need, and he builds a culture where everyone feels valued. That’s exactly what the Titans need to turn things around.”

Top Coaching Prospects for the Tennessee Titans Position concludes with what the Titans’ front office will prioritize in their final decision: alignment on a clear vision. Whether they choose Johnson (offensive innovation), Macdonald (defensive dominance), Reich (stability and QB development), or Morris (versatility and culture building), the new coach must work with Carthon to define the franchise’s identity. Will they double down on Henry’s running game and build a defense to support it? Or will they shift to a pass-heavy offense to develop Levis (or a future draft pick)? The coach must also be willing to make tough roster decisions, including whether to re-sign Henry, invest in Levis long-term, or address critical needs on the offensive line and at cornerback. For the Tennessee Titans, this hire is a crossroads. The right choice could accelerate their rebuild and return them to contention; the wrong one could prolong mediocrity and alienate a fanbase already frustrated by recent struggles. “We’re looking for more than a coach—we’re looking for a partner,” Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a recent statement. “Someone who shares our commitment to winning with integrity, developing our young players, and making this franchise proud again.” As the search enters its final stages, all signs point to the Titans selecting a candidate who can balance short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability—a leader who can turn the franchise’s current challenges into future success.