As the Tennessee Titans turn the page to a pivotal offseason, one decision looms larger than the rest: who will guide quarterback Cam Ward into Year 2?
With the Los Angeles Chargers swooping in to hire Mike McDaniel as their offensive coordinator, the Titans now find themselves on the clock. The search is on for an offensive mind who can do more than just call plays - they need someone who can help shape the identity of a team in transition, someone who can accelerate Ward’s development while syncing with new head coach Robert Saleh’s physical, disciplined brand of football.
Ward’s rookie campaign gave Tennessee a lot to chew on. He showed flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick - finishing with 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 80.2.
He also tossed seven interceptions across 17 games, offering a full picture of both his potential and his growing pains. The raw tools are there: the arm strength, the mobility, the improvisation.
But now the Titans need to find the right architect to turn those flashes into consistent firepower.
Three names have emerged as front-runners: Brian Daboll, Kliff Kingsbury, and Bobby Slowik. Each brings a different flavor to the table, but all three offer a compelling blueprint for how to maximize Ward’s upside.
Brian Daboll: The Proven Developer
If the Titans want experience and a track record of quarterback development, Daboll is the most decorated option. His recent run with the Giants ended after a rough 2-8 start in 2025, but his earlier work in Buffalo still resonates around the league.
Daboll played a central role in transforming Josh Allen from a raw prospect into one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. That matters - especially when you’re working with a young passer like Ward who shares some of Allen’s traits: a big arm, plus athleticism, and a willingness to take risks.
Daboll’s offense leans into vertical aggression and situational confidence - two areas where Ward could benefit. Even amid the turbulence in New York, Daboll helped rookie Jaxson Dart finish as an Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist.
That’s no small feat and speaks to his ability to teach and adapt. For a Titans team trying to build something sustainable, Daboll could bring both credibility and a clear developmental plan.
Kliff Kingsbury: The Offensive Innovator
Then there’s Kingsbury, whose stock is back on the rise after a strong 2024 season in Washington. He helped mold Jayden Daniels into the league’s Rookie of the Year and guided the Commanders to an NFC Championship Game appearance. That’s not just success - that’s transformation.
Kingsbury’s evolution has been one of the more underappreciated storylines in recent years. Once known strictly for his Air Raid roots, he’s become far more balanced, incorporating a run-first mindset that complements his spread concepts.
That adaptability would suit Ward well. The rookie was cautious with the football in Year 1 - sometimes too cautious.
Kingsbury’s offense could help open things up, using spacing and tempo to create easier reads while still pushing the ball downfield. It’s a system that could help Ward grow without forcing him to play hero ball every down.
Bobby Slowik: The System Fit
If familiarity and philosophical alignment are priorities, Bobby Slowik might be the most intriguing option. His recent stint with the Dolphins as senior passing game coordinator helped keep Miami’s aerial attack near the top of the league, even as the offensive line struggled. That experience mirrors what Tennessee dealt with in 2025 - a young quarterback under pressure, needing a system that protects him both physically and schematically.
Slowik’s connection to Saleh runs deep. Both were part of the 49ers’ coaching tree under Kyle Shanahan, where they helped build one of the most cohesive and quarterback-friendly offenses in football.
That shared DNA - rooted in play-action, rhythm passing, and protection-first principles - could give Ward the structure he lacked as a rookie. And while Slowik’s profile took a hit after C.J.
Stroud’s second-year dip in Houston, his bounce-back in Miami shows he’s still evolving.
What’s at Stake
This hire isn’t just about X’s and O’s - it’s about setting the tone for the next chapter of Titans football. Cam Ward has the tools to be the guy in Nashville, but tools don’t build houses on their own. Whether Tennessee opts for Daboll’s experience, Kingsbury’s creativity, or Slowik’s system familiarity, the next offensive coordinator will play a defining role in Ward’s trajectory.
Get it right, and the Titans could be looking at their franchise quarterback for the next decade. Miss, and they risk wasting a promising talent in a league that doesn’t wait around for potential to pan out.