The Tennessee Titans are on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator, and the shortlist is shaping up to be a who's who of recent NFL play-callers and offensive minds. With newly hired head coach Robert Saleh at the helm, the Titans are exploring a range of candidates, including former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, former Falcons head coach and current Steelers OC Arthur Smith, Packers OC Adam Stenavich, Dolphins pass game coordinator Bobby Slowik, and former Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury.
Let’s break down the key names in the mix and what each could potentially bring to Nashville.
Brian Daboll: A Proven Play-Designer with a Mixed Head Coaching Résumé
Brian Daboll, 50, has been around the NFL block more than a few times, and he’s seen success in multiple roles. He got his start with the Patriots back in 2000, working under Bill Belichick and eventually coaching the wide receivers. That New England pedigree followed him throughout his career, including a return stint as the Patriots’ tight ends coach from 2013 to 2016.
Daboll’s offensive résumé is extensive. He’s held OC roles in Cleveland, Miami, and Kansas City, and after a one-year stop at Alabama under Nick Saban, he helped engineer Josh Allen’s rise as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021. That success earned him a shot as the Giants’ head coach in 2022, where he made an immediate splash-leading New York to a playoff win in his first season and earning Coach of the Year honors.
But after that high, things cooled off. Daboll’s head coaching record sits at 20-40-1, with just one playoff appearance.
Still, as an offensive coordinator, his creativity and adaptability remain respected across the league. If the Titans are looking for someone who can reimagine their offense and develop a quarterback, Daboll’s track record suggests he can do just that-especially when he's not juggling head coaching duties.
Arthur Smith: A Familiar Face with Tennessee Ties
Arthur Smith, 43, isn’t a stranger to the Titans. In fact, he spent a decade in Tennessee, climbing the coaching ladder from quality control assistant all the way to offensive coordinator. His work with the Titans offense, particularly during the Derrick Henry-led power run years, helped him land the Falcons' head coaching job in 2021.
Things didn’t go quite as planned in Atlanta. Smith’s three-year run ended with a 21-30 record and no playoff appearances.
He’s since landed in Pittsburgh as the Steelers' offensive coordinator, where the offense has struggled to find consistency. In 2025, Pittsburgh ranked 25th in total yards, 15th in points scored, 26th in rushing yards, and 22nd in passing yards-a middling performance that didn’t exactly silence critics.
Still, Smith’s familiarity with the Titans organization and his ability to build a physical, run-heavy offense could be appealing, especially if Tennessee wants to re-establish its identity on the ground. He knows the building, knows the culture, and could offer a stabilizing presence on the offensive side of the ball.
Other Names to Watch
While Daboll and Smith bring head coaching experience and extensive NFL resumes, the Titans are also looking at some rising stars and innovative minds.
- Kliff Kingsbury: The former Cardinals head coach and most recently the Commanders’ OC, Kingsbury’s Air Raid roots and quarterback-friendly schemes could be intriguing if the Titans are looking to modernize their offense.
- Adam Stenavich: Currently the Packers’ offensive coordinator, Stenavich has worked closely with Matt LaFleur in Green Bay’s zone-heavy scheme. His experience developing young offensive linemen and emphasizing balance could be a fit for a Titans team in transition.
- Bobby Slowik: As the Dolphins' pass game coordinator, Slowik has been part of one of the league’s most explosive offenses. His background with Mike McDaniel and the Shanahan coaching tree could bring some much-needed innovation to the Titans' passing game.
The Bottom Line
With Robert Saleh now steering the ship in Tennessee, the Titans’ offensive coordinator hire will be critical in setting the tone for this new era. Whether they go with a seasoned hand like Daboll or Smith, or opt for a younger, more schematic-forward coach like Slowik or Stenavich, the decision will speak volumes about how this team plans to evolve offensively.
One thing’s clear: the Titans are casting a wide net-and they’re not short on intriguing options.