As we turn the calendar to December, the NFL playoff picture isn’t the only thing heating up. The coaching carousel is officially in motion, and two franchises-Tennessee and New York-have already jumped into the fray.
The Titans and Giants are the first teams to make head coaching changes, parting ways with Brian Callahan and Brian Daboll, respectively. That early move gives both front offices a head start on what promises to be a competitive hiring cycle.
While the rumor mill is already churning with names-some expected, others surprising-two veteran coaches have surfaced as serious candidates in Tennessee: Matt Nagy and Mike McCarthy.
According to reporting from Albert Breer, the Titans are casting a wide net but are also leaning into familiarity and experience as they evaluate their next move. That makes sense, especially with rookie quarterback Cam Ward in the fold. Tennessee’s brass is reportedly prioritizing someone who can provide stability and help guide Ward’s development at the NFL level.
Let’s connect some dots here. The Titans’ front office is a blend of influences: President of Football Operations Chad Brinker has Green Bay roots, General Manager Mike Borgonzi comes from Kansas City, and former GMs Dave Ziegler and Reggie McKenzie are also part of the brain trust. That mix of backgrounds is shaping the coaching search-and it’s no coincidence that Nagy and McCarthy both have ties to those pipelines.
Nagy, currently with the Chiefs, is well-regarded for his offensive mind and has direct ties to Borgonzi. His time in Chicago didn’t end with fireworks, but his experience running an NFL team and working with quarterbacks could be exactly what Tennessee needs to bring Cam Ward along.
Meanwhile, McCarthy’s résumé speaks for itself. A Super Bowl champion with the Packers and most recently the head coach in Dallas, McCarthy’s connection to Brinker makes him a natural fit in this conversation.
But the Titans aren’t limiting themselves to familiar faces. They’re also evaluating candidates like Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
Neither fits the “experienced offensive coach” mold, but both are respected rising stars in the coaching ranks. That suggests Tennessee isn’t locked into one archetype-they’re doing their homework across the board.
Still, with a young quarterback to develop and a roster that needs direction, the appeal of a seasoned head coach is clear. Nagy and McCarthy bring decades of combined NFL experience, and both have coached in high-pressure environments. If the Titans want to steady the ship quickly and create a foundation for Ward’s growth, either could be the guy to do it.
For now, no decision appears imminent. But with the season winding down and the coaching market about to get crowded, expect the Titans to keep pushing forward with urgency. Whether they land on a proven veteran or take a swing on a rising coordinator, this hire will be a defining moment for the franchise-and for Cam Ward’s future.