For the second straight year, the Tennessee Titans finished with a record that, on paper, looks like a rerun. But don’t let the identical win-loss column from 2024 to 2025 fool you-this team is trending in a much different direction, and it starts under center.
Cam Ward wrapped up his rookie campaign with a strong finish, and that late-season surge is doing more than just providing optimism for fans-it’s catching the attention of coaching candidates across the NFL. Multiple insiders have pointed to Ward as a key reason why some of the league’s top coaching names are seriously considering Tennessee as their next stop.
Let’s start with the biggest fish: John Harbaugh. Before taking the job with the New York Giants, Harbaugh reportedly had the Titans in his top three.
And while he ultimately chose the bright lights of New York, Ward’s presence in Nashville was a major reason Tennessee was even in the conversation. That speaks volumes.
Another name generating serious buzz is Kevin Stefanski, the former Browns head coach. According to local reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala-who’s known to have a strong rapport with Stefanski-there’s real belief that he and Ward would be a seamless fit, both in terms of football philosophy and personality.
That connection runs deeper than just speculation: the Browns were reportedly ready to draft Ward last year if the Titans had passed. That kind of pre-draft conviction doesn’t fade overnight.
Then there’s Brian Daboll, who may not land a head coaching gig this cycle but is still one of the most respected offensive minds available. His name continues to surface in connection with top coordinator roles, and Tennessee could be a compelling landing spot.
Why? Because the Giants, under Daboll, were one of the teams aggressively trying to trade up for Ward in last year’s draft.
That kind of admiration from afar could now translate into a direct partnership.
Make no mistake-the Titans’ record may not have improved, but the perception around the franchise has shifted dramatically. One year ago, this team looked rudderless.
Now, they’re being talked about as a destination. That’s a massive change in narrative, and it’s being fueled by more than just hope.
Jeffery Simmons is coming off a monster season-one strong enough to warrant Defensive Player of the Year consideration (yes, Myles Garrett is still the frontrunner, but Simmons deserves to be in the conversation). Add in the fact that Tennessee has more cap space than any other team heading into 2026, plus a top-five draft pick and three additional premium selections, and you’ve got a franchise loaded with flexibility and potential.
But all of that-the money, the picks, the star power on defense-only matters if you’ve got a quarterback. And right now, the Titans believe they do.
Ward’s rookie deal gives the team the financial breathing room to be aggressive in free agency. More importantly, it removes the pressure to chase a quarterback in the first round of the draft-a luxury that teams like the Browns and Raiders can’t afford.
Ward’s development has given Tennessee something they haven’t had in a while: a foundation. And while fans are understandably hungry for wins, the league is watching-and the league likes what it sees.
When top-tier coaches are circling your job opening, that’s not by accident. That’s a sign of belief in what’s being built.
The Titans may not be in primetime yet, but don’t mistake silence for stagnation. The pieces are starting to come together in Nashville-and it all starts with No. 1.