The coaching carousel is finally spinning in earnest, and the first major domino just dropped: John Harbaugh is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the New York Giants. That move doesn’t just shake up the NFC East-it sends ripples across the entire NFL landscape. Harbaugh was the most sought-after name on the market, and now that he’s off the board, expect the rest of the coaching searches to heat up quickly.
One name that’s suddenly getting more traction? Mike McCarthy.
The former Cowboys head coach had already interviewed with the Giants before Harbaugh entered the picture, and while he didn’t land that job, he’s not exactly fading into the background. In fact, McCarthy is now scheduled to interview with the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, a move that could make a lot of sense for both sides.
Why McCarthy and the Titans Might Just Be the Right Fit
Let’s be clear: McCarthy isn’t commanding league-wide interest, but Tennessee might be the perfect landing spot for a coach like him. The Titans are in a transitional phase-coming off a 3-14 season but holding a few key advantages that make them one of the more intriguing openings this cycle.
Chief among them? A potential franchise quarterback in 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, who found his rhythm late in the season after a rocky start.
Tennessee’s front office seems to be casting a wide net. They’ve already spoken with former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and have interviews lined up with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.
There’s also buzz around former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. But if the Titans are prioritizing offensive leadership to guide Ward’s development, McCarthy’s track record gives him a leg up.
This year’s crop of offensive-minded candidates isn’t as deep as last year’s. There’s no Ben Johnson or Kellen Moore headlining the list.
McDaniel, Stefanski, and Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak are among the top options, but none bring the same résumé McCarthy does. Say what you will about his postseason shortcomings, but McCarthy has been a consistent winner.
A Culture Builder for a Rebuilding Team
The Titans aren’t looking for someone to take them to the Super Bowl tomorrow. What they need is stability-a coach who can lay a foundation, restore credibility, and help develop a young quarterback.
That’s exactly what McCarthy brought to Dallas. Under his leadership, the Cowboys rattled off three straight 12-win seasons, a feat they hadn’t pulled off since the 1990s.
That kind of consistency had eluded the franchise through the Jason Garrett, Wade Phillips, and even Bill Parcells eras.
McCarthy may not be the flashiest name on the board, but he’s proven. He’s coached MVP quarterbacks, managed big personalities, and turned underperforming teams into playoff contenders. If the Titans want to raise their floor and start trending in the right direction, he checks a lot of boxes.
Why Tennessee Is an Attractive Job
Don’t let the 3-14 record fool you-this isn’t a hopeless rebuild. Cam Ward has real potential, and Tennessee has a defensive anchor in Jeffery Simmons, one of the league’s premier interior linemen. Add in a projected $95.6 million in cap space-tops in the NFL, per Over The Cap-and the Titans have the flexibility to reshape the roster quickly.
In short, this is a team with pieces. They just need the right coach to pull it all together. And while McCarthy might not be the long-term answer for a Super Bowl run, he could be the perfect bridge between the rebuild and whatever comes next.
Harbaugh to the Giants Sets the Tone
Harbaugh’s move to New York is more than just a headline-it’s a signal that teams are ready to make bold, foundational hires. The Giants are betting on a proven leader to revive a storied franchise.
The Titans might be wise to follow a similar path. McCarthy isn’t a splash, but he’s a stabilizer.
And for a team like Tennessee, that might be exactly what they need.