The Tennessee Titans offseason is underway and it should usher in a much-needed rebuilding era for this franchise. With Mike Vrabel gone, it’s time to evaluate Titans coaching candidates for 2024.
Tennessee would’ve been better off keeping Vrabel, who is one of the best head coaches in the NFL today. However, the Titans’ organization ultimately determined change was necessary. With that comes an opportunity to turn the page for the future, bringing in a young coach who’ll stick around long-term.
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Let’s dive into our Titans coaching candidates.
2024 Tennessee Titans coaching candidates
Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans offensive coordinator
Outside of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, there aren’t an overwhelming number of must-have coaching candidates on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. However, Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is one name to keep an eye on.
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| Year | PPG | Yards per Play | 3rd Down Rate | Red Zone TD Rate | EPA per Play |
| 2022 | 17.0 | 4.7 | 30.32% | 47.92% | -0.168 (32nd) |
| 2023 | 22.2 | 5.6 | 37.93% | 54.72% | =0.023 (15th) |
Slowik might be one of the leading Titans coaching candidates because of his ties to general manager Ran Carthon. Carthon and Slowik both joined the San Francisco 49ers organization in 2017, with Carthon serving as director of pro personnel and Slowik coming on as an offensive assistant. They stayed there through the 2022 season, steadily rising up the ranks.
C.J. Stroud rightfully deserves a ton of credit for the Houston Texans’ success in 2023. However, Slowik designed the offense that made Houston so explosive, helping ease Stroud’s transition into the NFL. Not only that, this is especially important for Tennessee, Slowik called an offense that overcame a bad offensive line for a majority of the season thanks to injuries.
Dave Canalas, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator
As previously mentioned, quarterback Will Levis didn’t necessarily show enough in his rookie season to be the unquestioned long-term answer. Then again, Tennessee didn’t put him in a good situation. A better evaluation is needed of Levis in 2024 and the best way to fairly analyze a young quarterback is by putting him in a positive environment.
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While that starts with building a strong offensive line in front of him and enabling him to be more successful with playmakers, coaching also plays a massive role in this. If Vrabel leaves, Tennesse’s best move might be to find a quarterback whisperer to take over as head coach.
| QB Rating | Completion Rate | YPA | PFF grade | TD-INT | |
| Geno Smith (2022) | 100.9 | 69.8% | 7.5 | 79.8 | 30-11 |
| Baker Mayfield (2023) | 95.9 | 64.4% | 7.3 | 76.3 | 28-10 |
Dave Canales, who only turns 43 in May, started his NFL coaching career in 2010 with the Seattle Seahawks as a wide receivers coach. He thrived in that role through the 2017 season, then was promoted by Pete Carroll to quarterbacks coach. Canales did great work with Russell Wilson (2018-’21) and later Geno Smith. If there were any doubts about his teaching prowess and offensive mind, his work this season with Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense should erase any doubts.
Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator
When evaluating Titans coaching candidates, we’re prioritizing offensive-minded coaches. However, there are other important qualities involved. If Tennessee is going to be a very young football team in 2024, it needs someone who knows how to teach players using methods that work with each individual. They need that, a leader and a head coach who can maintain his composure and set the tone for the organization.
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That is Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith. While a coach can never be judged entirely based on his press conferences, Smith’s interactions with reporters this season shine a light into why those around him love working with him. He brings an infectious attitude, just as grateful to be learning from his colleagues as they are with him. Not only does he have a ringing endorsement from Mike McDaniel, who was with Carthon in San Francisco, but he was voted by players as one of the most positive, impactful coordinators in the NFL.
“He has a thorough understanding of the game and is a great teacher, which is really what coaching is all about. He also has a unique ability to anticipate problems before they arise, be that on the field or in administrative-type things related to schedules, questions that will come up with players or coaches, etc. He operates on a daily basis with a passion, positivity and humility that is rare and sets him apart.”
Mike McDaniel on Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith (H/T Jeff Howe of The Athletic)
There’s another reason we particularly like Smith as a fit in Tennessee. He’s a former offensive line coach, working with offensive linemen during his time with the New Orleans Saints (2010-’14) and Los Angeles Chargers (2021). A head coach who knows how to not only evaluate offensive linemen but also work with them one-on-one could be valuable to the Titans.
Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator
One of Vrabel’s best qualities as head coach was his leadership, but Tennessee also needs to improve its player development. While that doesn’t fall entirely on the head coach’s shoulders, someone with a track record in maximizing young talent and commanding a locker room would be ideal.
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris comes with glowing recommendations. As pointed out by Rams’ CEO Kevin Demoff, future Hall of Famers like Andrew Whitworth, Bobby Wagner and Aaron Donald have raved about Morris as a coach. He’s also credited for some of the success of third-round picks Kobie Turner and Byron Young.
Morris did previously serve as head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he was not put in a favorable position. With only one year of experience as a defensive coordinator, Bowles was hired as a 33-year-old head coach. He went 17-31 in three seasons, but he’s since had the opportunity to learn from the best head coaches in football. Morris has earned a second chance to be a head coach and a young team like the Titans would be a good fit for him.