Titans head coaching candidates: Hot-Shot 1st-Timers

Yesterday morning, we published an article on potential Tennessee Titans head coaching candidates. That article featured retread candidates such as Brian Flores and Mike McCarthy. Brian Callahan hasn’t been fired yet, but it feels inevitable, so we’re continuing to look at potential successors.

Today’s exercise focuses on the alternative candidates, the hot-shot first-timers. Callahan was of this variety, rising up the coaching ranks after an impressive stint as the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator (though he didn’t call plays). NFL fans are most excited when their team hires a coordinator, as the retread is often categorized as “boring.”

If the Titans go the first-timer route again, these candidates will be among the popular league-wide options.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills OC

Joe Brady projects as the hottest candidate in the league come January. The Buffalo Bills are 4-0 and Josh Allen is the reigning MVP. Before the Titans seriously consider Brady, they need to ask why he’s thrived with Joe Burrow and Allen, but struggled in Carolina. Unfortunately, the Callahan mistake means the Titans need to approach this process with caution.

Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers DC

The 42-year-old Jesse Minter won a National Championship at Michigan with Jim Harbaugh and now he’s thriving alongside him at the NFL level with the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter also worked under John Harbaugh in Baltimore, a path that’s proved fruitful for Mike Macdonald and the success he’s having in Seattle. He’s worked at other programs such as Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, and his father was the former head coach at Cincinnati.

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens OC

Why has the 59-year-old Todd Monken never been an NFL head coach? That’s a legitimate question. The former Knox College quarterback has done outstanding work with the Ravens and Lamar Jackson as one of the most flexible coordinators in the league. He has head coaching experience, leading Southern Miss from 2013-15. Monken would be terrific for Cam Ward’s development.

Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers DC

Jeff Hafley was Boston College’s head coach for four seasons (2020-23). Titans GM Mike Borgonzi is from Massachusetts and worked at BC in 2007-08. They’re surely familiar with one another. Hafley is advancing his resume as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator this season.

Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams DC

How many Sean McVay assistants get head coaching jobs? Chris Shula could be next. The legendary Shula family has produced another prodigy as the fast-rising 39-year-old is excelling as McVay’s defensive coordinator this year. He’ll get interviews.

Others who could garner consideration; Mike Kafka (Giants OC), Adam Stenavich (Packers OC), Kevin Patullo (Eagles OC), Drew Petzing (Cardinals OC), Bobby Babich (Bills DC), Klint Kubiak (Seahawks OC).

Kafka worked with Borgonzi in KC and has received interviews in the past. Stenavich is working under Matt LaFleur and spent multiple seasons with Chad Brinker in GB. Patullo nearly crossed paths with Borgonzi in KC and also crossed paths with Dennard Wilson in Philadelphia (probably not notable).