The Tennessee Titans are deep into a season that’s gone sideways fast. After firing head coach Brian Callahan following a 1-5 start, the team handed the reins to interim coach Mike McCoy. But the shift hasn’t sparked a turnaround-Tennessee has gone just 1-7 since the change, and the struggles have been felt across the board, especially by rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, came into the league with high expectations, but his rookie campaign has been marred by the team’s instability and lack of direction. That’s not entirely surprising-rookie quarterbacks often face a steep learning curve-but in Ward’s case, it’s been compounded by a franchise in flux. Now, as the Titans prepare for another offseason overhaul, Ward is making it clear: he wants a seat at the table when it comes to choosing the next head coach.
“I want to meet all of them,” Ward said, referring to the candidates who will be in the mix for the Titans’ top job. “Every coach who gets the opportunity to come here, I want to have conversations throughout the process with them. I’m going to be here for that whole time.”
That’s a bold stance from a player who’s only been in the league for one season. But it also speaks to Ward’s leadership instincts and the weight the Titans are placing on his development.
He’s already spoken with team president of football operations Chad Brinker and general manager Mike Borgonzi about playing a role in the hiring process-a sign that the organization sees him as more than just a young quarterback. They see him as the face of the franchise moving forward.
While it’s not unprecedented for a quarterback to be involved in a coaching search, it’s usually a role reserved for established veterans. For Ward to be stepping into that space so early in his career says a lot about both his mindset and the Titans’ commitment to building around him.
And honestly, it makes sense. If you’re going to invest in a quarterback at No. 1 overall, you better make sure the coach you bring in is someone who can connect with him, develop him, and help him thrive.
That connection-between head coach and quarterback-is the heartbeat of any NFL franchise. And by all accounts, it was missing during Ward’s short time under Callahan. The Titans now have a chance to reset that dynamic, and Ward wants to be part of making sure they get it right.
There will be no shortage of candidates once the Titans officially begin their coaching search. Back in October, shortly after Callahan’s dismissal, a list of 20 potential names was already circulating. Expect that list to grow as the regular season wraps up and the coaching carousel starts spinning.
For Tennessee, this next hire is critical. They’ve got a young quarterback with all the physical tools, but they need the right coach to unlock his potential and build a system around him. Ward’s insistence on being involved in the process isn’t just about having a voice-it’s about accountability, chemistry, and creating a foundation that can support long-term success.
The Titans have a lot of work to do this offseason. But if they want to turn things around, it starts with getting the head coach-quarterback relationship right. And Cam Ward, even in year one, is already stepping up to make sure that happens.