The Tennessee Titans are making a bold move by bringing in Robert Saleh as their next head coach. After his rocky tenure with the New York Jets, questions remain about his ability to develop a young quarterback-especially one as raw and promising as Cam Ward.
But the hire itself isn’t the full story. The real pivot point for this franchise?
Who Saleh chooses as his offensive coordinator.
If the Titans want to get the most out of Ward, they need someone who can turn potential into production-fast. Saleh’s defensive mind is well respected, but his success in Tennessee will hinge on who’s calling plays on offense. And right now, the list of reported candidates is a mixed bag of intriguing possibilities and head-scratching throwbacks.
Among the early names in the mix are some familiar faces to Saleh, including Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and Dolphins assistant Bobby Slowik. Both have ties to systems that emphasize quarterback development and creative scheming. Then there are the splashier names-Kliff Kingsbury and Brian Daboll-offensive minds who’ve shown they can build high-powered passing attacks and elevate young quarterbacks.
But then there’s Arthur Smith.
Yes, that Arthur Smith-the same coach who once drew praise for his work as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator, but whose recent run hasn’t exactly inspired confidence. After two underwhelming seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith is reportedly one of the finalists for the Titans’ OC job. And that’s where the concern starts to build.
Smith’s past success in Nashville is well-documented. He helped guide Derrick Henry to his best seasons and oversaw a balanced, efficient offense.
But his more recent track record tells a different story. In Atlanta, he had full control of the offense as head coach, and the results were underwhelming-three straight seven-win seasons, with inconsistent quarterback play and an offense that never quite clicked.
His time in Pittsburgh didn’t do much to change that narrative, even if he was a slight upgrade over previous coordinators.
The Titans are at a critical juncture. They’ve got a young quarterback in Cam Ward who needs the right system, the right teacher, and the right vision to take the next step.
Ward has tools-arm talent, mobility, upside-but he needs structure and creativity around him. That’s why names like Kingsbury and Daboll make so much sense.
Both have proven they can tailor an offense to a quarterback’s strengths. Slowik, who helped CJ Stroud burst onto the scene as a rookie, also fits the bill.
Even Stenavich, who’s worked closely with Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, brings upside as a potential first-time play-caller.
Smith, on the other hand, feels like a step backward. It’s not just about nostalgia-it’s about fit.
The Titans need to move forward, not recycle what once worked. Experience is valuable, but not at the expense of innovation, especially when the goal is to unlock the full potential of a young quarterback in a league that’s evolving fast.
Robert Saleh has a chance to reset his head coaching narrative in Tennessee. But that reset only works if he nails this offensive coordinator hire.
The right OC could turn Cam Ward into a franchise cornerstone. The wrong one could stall his development-and Saleh’s second shot-before it even gets going.