The Tennessee Titans have their new head coach, and it’s a name fans across the league know well: Robert Saleh. After three seasons leading the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024, Saleh is back in the top seat, this time in Nashville. Known for his fiery energy and defensive acumen, Saleh now gets a second chance to build a winning culture - but this time, he’ll need to nail the offensive side of the ball, too.
That’s where things get interesting.
The Titans were reportedly in the mix for former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to take over as offensive coordinator. But on Tuesday night, reports surfaced that McDaniel is heading to the Los Angeles Chargers instead, leaving Tennessee to pivot quickly. That’s a tough miss for Saleh, especially considering McDaniel’s creative offensive mind and the potential synergy with a young quarterback like Cam Ward.
So now, the Titans are back to the drawing board - and one name that continues to surface is Brian Daboll.
Daboll’s head coaching stint with the Giants didn’t end the way he or the organization hoped, but let’s not forget what made him one of the hottest names in coaching circles just a few years ago. As offensive coordinator in Buffalo from 2018 to 2021, he helped mold Josh Allen into one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks. His ability to design schemes that maximize a QB’s strengths could be exactly what Tennessee needs to unlock Ward’s potential.
But there’s a catch - and it’s a big one.
According to reports, the Buffalo Bills have entered the picture in a major way. With Sean McDermott out, the Bills are now searching for their next head coach, and they’ve officially requested to interview Daboll for the job.
That’s not just a formality - Daboll is a Western New York native and already has deep roots within the organization. He knows GM Brandon Beane, he knows the culture, and he knows what it takes to succeed in that building.
If the Bills decide Daboll is their guy, the Titans could be left out in the cold - again.
Tennessee had already interviewed Daboll for their head coaching job before hiring Saleh, and there’s reported mutual interest in bringing him aboard as OC. There’s also a connection to GM Mike Borgonzi that could help keep the Titans in the race. But the reality is this: if Daboll has a shot to return to Buffalo as a head coach, that’s a hard offer to beat.
All of this underscores the urgency for Saleh and the Titans. They’ve made a strong hire on the defensive side, but now they need someone who can bring balance to the staff and elevate the offense - especially with a young QB waiting in the wings. Whether that ends up being Daboll or another name entirely, the next move will be crucial in setting the tone for Saleh’s second act as an NFL head coach.
The Titans have their man at the top. Now it’s about who’s calling the plays on Sundays.