Coaching Candidates' Profiles for the Tennessee Titans Job

The Tennessee Titans’ search for a new head coach hinges on finding a leader who aligns with the team’s core needs: developing young quarterback Will Levis, strengthening a defense with playoff potential, and fostering a culture of accountability that resonates with both veterans and emerging talent. To narrow the field, the Titans brass has focused on four distinct candidate profiles—each bringing unique strengths that could address specific gaps in the organization. Coaching Candidates' Profiles for the Tennessee Titans Job breaks down these profiles, highlighting key candidates within each group, their track records, and how they might fit into the Titans’ long-term vision.

Coaching Candidates' Profiles for the Tennessee Titans Job begins with the NFL Senior Offensive Coordinator—a profile centered on quarterback development, a top priority for the Titans as they look to build around Levis. A leading candidate in this group is Mike Kafka, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator since 2022. Kafka’s resume includes working with Patrick Mahomes, one of the league’s most dynamic QBs, and helping design an offense that balances passing precision with run-game efficiency—skills directly transferable to the Titans, who need to maximize Levis’ arm strength while leveraging running back Derrick Henry’s remaining prime. Kafka’s approach to QB development is hands-on: he spends 1–2 hours daily with signal-callers on film study and mechanics, a style that could accelerate Levis’ growth in his third NFL season. “Kafka doesn’t just call plays—he builds offenses around his quarterback’s strengths,” said a Chiefs insider. “With Levis, he’d likely emphasize deep passes and play-action concepts, which fit Levis’ skill set perfectly.” Kafka also has experience working with veteran playmakers (like Travis Kelce), a plus for the Titans’ DeAndre Hopkins, and has helped the Chiefs reach two Super Bowls—proving he can thrive in high-pressure environments.

A second critical profile is the College Head Coach with NFL Adaptability—candidates who have built winning programs from the ground up and shown an ability to adjust to different rosters and styles. Lincoln Riley, head coach at USC since 2022 and former Oklahoma coach, stands out in this group. Riley’s college success is undeniable: he led Oklahoma to four Big 12 titles and coached Heisman Trophy-winning QBs Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams—all of whom transitioned successfully to the NFL. What makes Riley a fit for the Titans is his flexibility: he’s run both spread and pro-style offenses, and his focus on player development aligns with the Titans’ need to nurture young talent (like edge rusher Will Compton and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry). Riley also has a reputation for building strong team cultures, emphasizing academic success and community engagement—values the Titans prioritize off the field. “Riley’s biggest strength is his ability to connect with players,” said a former Oklahoma assistant. “He treats them like people first, which builds trust—and that translates to on-field success.” While Riley has no NFL experience, his track record of developing QBs and adapting to talent makes him a compelling candidate for a Titans team looking to inject new energy into its offense.

A defining profile in Coaching Candidates' Profiles for the Tennessee Titans Job is the Former NFL Head Coach with Defensive Prowess—a group that addresses the Titans’ need to fix a defense that ranked 22nd in sacks and 18th in points allowed in 2024. Jim Schwartz, who served as the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2023 and was the Detroit Lions’ head coach from 2009 to 2013, fits this mold. Schwartz’s defensive schemes are aggressive yet disciplined: he favors a 4-3 alignment that maximizes edge rushers and creates turnovers—exactly what the Titans need to unlock Compton’s potential and improve their secondary. As a former head coach, Schwartz also brings experience managing an NFL locker room, handling media, and collaborating with front offices—skills that would ease the transition for a Titans team still finding its identity post-Mike Vrabel. “Schwartz knows how to balance defense and offense,” said a Browns source. “He doesn’t just want to stop teams—he wants to create momentum for his offense with takeaways. That’s a mindset the Titans need.” For the Tennessee Titans, Schwartz’s combination of head-coaching experience and defensive expertise fills two key needs: stabilizing the coaching staff and turning a middle-of-the-pack defense into a playoff-caliber unit.

Another profile gaining traction is the Innovative Young NFL Assistant—candidates under 45 who have helped reshape their teams’ strategies and shown a knack for developing young players. Brian Daboll, the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021 and current Bills senior advisor, represents this group. Daboll, 44, played a key role in Josh Allen’s transformation from a raw prospect to a Pro Bowl QB, focusing on simplifying playcalls and building Allen’s confidence through positive reinforcement—an approach that could work wonders for Levis. He also has experience with run-heavy offenses (having worked with the Bills’ Devin Singletary and Zack Moss), which would complement Henry’s style. What sets Daboll apart is his creativity: he’s known for designing trick plays and situational packages that catch defenses off guard, a trait that could make the Titans’ offense more unpredictable. “Daboll doesn’t stick to one system,” said a Bills coach. “He builds around what his players do best, and he’s not afraid to take risks. That’s exactly what the Titans need to stand out in a tough AFC South.” For the Tennessee Titans, hiring a young assistant like Daboll would signal a commitment to innovation and long-term growth—aligning with their goal of building a sustainable winner around Levis.

Wrapping up Coaching Candidates' Profiles for the Tennessee Titans Job is the “Culture Builder” Profile—candidates who prioritize team unity, community engagement, and player well-being, traits the Titans see as critical to long-term success. A leading candidate here is DeMeco Ryans, the Houston Texans’ head coach since 2023. Ryans, a former NFL linebacker, turned the Texans from a 3-13 team in 2022 to a 10-7 playoff team in 2023, doing so by fostering a culture of accountability and respect. He meets one-on-one with every player weekly, encourages community service (he led the Texans in 12 charity events in 2023), and emphasizes mental health support—all values the Titans share. Ryans also has defensive expertise (he was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator before joining the Texans), which would help the Titans improve their pass rush. “Ryans doesn’t just coach football—he builds a team,” said a Texans insider. “He makes players want to play for him, and that’s why the Texans turned around so quickly.” For the Tennessee Titans, Ryans’ ability to balance culture and on-field success makes him a well-rounded candidate. Ultimately, Coaching Candidates' Profiles for the Tennessee Titans Job shows that the Titans aren’t just looking for a coach—they’re looking for a leader who can develop talent, win games, and represent the team with pride in the community. The right candidate will likely blend elements of multiple profiles, creating a fit that’s both strategic and cultural.