Bleav in Titans

When he addressed his players at the start of the offseason program, first-year coach Brian Callahan said he wants the Tennessee Titans to be "relentless and resilient." Another professional sports team in Nashville has gotten a lot of mileage recently out of the former while not long ago the Titans showed plenty of the latter. ... Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson continues to entertain in his media sessions. In his latest, he talked about how he will not let opposing offenses dictate what his unit does and his notion that the game is played 11-on-1. ... Offensive coordinator Nick Holz won't have to familiarize himself with free-agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The two were together last season in Jacksonville, and Holz shared some insights about what the Titans and their fans should expect to see. ... One position group that has gone largely overlooked this offseason is tight end. The Titans have not yet added anyone at that position, and the returning players do not offer a lot of experience or a history of production. ... A red flag was raised with one draft prospect a day before he was to meet with the Titans. The only way to know what impact that will have is to wait and see whether the Titans -- given the opportunity -- actually draft him.

When he met the Nashville media for the first time, recently acquired cornerback L'Jarius Sneed declared himself "a hell of a player." The personal assessment came off as well-earned confidence as opposed to blustery arrogance and given his play for the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years, it is easy to understand why he feels that way. ... The pairing of Sneed and free-agent addition Chidoe Awuzie gives the Titans a well-matched pair of cornerbacks who will attempt to create a clear identity under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. ... With those cornerbacks and free-agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley, general manager Ran Carthon and his staff addressed two of the team's biggest offseason positional needs. Offensive line still needs obvious attention, likely with the first-round pick in this year's draft. But what other position or positions should the Titans address in the 2024 NFL Draft. ... The Titans are not the only AFC South team that made a big change recently. Days after the Sneed deal, the Houston Texans acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a trade with Buffalo. That made an already good offseason for the Texans even better, but the good news for the Titans is that Sneed has a history of keeping Diggs in check.

The Tennessee Titans' offseason spending spree continued with the acquisition of cornerback L'Jarius Sneed in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. The transaction did not cost the Titans much in terms of what they sent to the Chiefs, but they did agree to a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension with Sneed. ... The trade not only solidifies Tennessee's depth chart at the position, it gives them arguably their best group of cornerbacks in recent memory. And given what Sneed accomplished in his years with Kansas City, he has a chance to be the franchise's best cornerback of the Titans era. ...The additions of Sneed and fellow cornerback Chidobe Awuzie do not mean that Carthon and Co. are done restocking the secondary. There are plenty of veteran safeties available, and it seems likely the Titans eventually will add one of them. ... The Los Angeles Chargers currently have the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, and their coach, Jim Harbaugh, has indicated that he would like to build his team's offensive line. Given the Titans' needs up front, it is possible that the Chargers could have a major impact on what Tennessee does with its first pick, No. 7 overall. ... The NFL announced a major change to kickoff rules this week based on what took place last spring in the XFL. The idea is to make it a more exciting play than it has been in recent years but far less dangerous than it has been historically.

The Tennessee Titans filled their opening for a backup quarterback when they signed Mason Rudolph to a one-year, $2.87 million contract. In six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2018 third-round pick started just 13 games but one eight (with one tie). His deal means the current quarterbacks will count fewer than $7 million against the Titans' salary cap, a far cry from a year ago when Ryan Tannehill's cap hit was more than $36 million. ... Speaking of Tannehill, the now-former Tennessee quarterback remains unsigned and clearly is the best available player at his position. It is not clear whether he has not found the opportunity or deal that he seeks, or if he is better served waiting until after the draft to find a new home. It seems likely, however, that the rest of the league doesn't see his potential role the same way he does. ... Two less-heralded deals went to players on the defense, lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day and linebacker Kenneth Murry. Day was a sixth-round pick in 2018 who quickly established himself as a reliable and versatile -- if not spectacular -- performer. Murray, on the other hand, never has lived up to his status as a 2020 first-round selection, but at 25 there is a chance his best days are to come -- and that a change of scenery could help.

The Tennessee Titans made a big splash in the opening hours of the NFL's 2024 free agent signing period when they agreed to terms with wide receiver Calvin Ridley on a four-year, $92 million contract. ... All of the talk during the legal tampering period was that Ridley would choose between his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the New England Patriots. The Titans, however, had plenty of money to spend, and they ultimately threw a lot of it at Ridley, a 2018 first-round draft pick by Atlanta who has twice topped 1,000 receiving yards in a season. ... Ridley will team with DeAndre Hopkins to give the Titans what looks to be one of their most potent receiving tandems ever. But does it completely eliminate the possibility that they will use their first-round pick in next month's draft on a wide receiver? Not necessarily. ... Ridley is not the only player the Titans have added early in free agency. Far from it. In Lloyd Cushenberry, they have a center who is a proven starter but is young enough for franchise officials to believe his best days are still ahead of him. What is certain is that he is much larger and more physically imposing than the man he replaces, Aaron Brewer. ... Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie steps into a defensive backfield that was inconsistent (at best) in 2024. In the last three years at Cincinnati, he showed position versatility and established himself as a reliable tackler. ... Running back Tony Pollard joins last year's third-round pick Tyjae Spears in the backfield. He also changes the dynamic of the position group, relative to recent years when franchise officials liked to have complementary pieces. Pollard and Spears have much in common when it comes to their skill sets. ... The man Pollard effectively replaced, Derrick Henry, has moved on to another team, one that has a history of signing former Titans stars late in their careers. ... Two starters on last season's defense, Denico Autry and Azeez Al-Shaair, moved on as well -- to a division rival.

The Tennessee Titans opted not to use their franchise or transition tags on running back Derrick Henry or anyone else. Instead, general manager Ran Carthon and the rest of the personnel staff held opted to look ahead to the free agency signing period, which starts in a week. Tennessee will enter the start of the new league year more than $75 million under the salary cap, which means it has more to spend than all but two other NFL franchises. ... After a 6-11 season, the Titans have no shortage of personnel needs, which means there are plenty of potential free-agent targets available. We look at who Carthon and Co. might want at obvious positions of need such as tackle or wide receiver as well as other spots. ... In stark contrast to Tennessee, the Buffalo Bills have shed salary in recent days and have cut a handful of notable players, at least of couple of whom ought to be of interest to the Titans. ... Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles recently released Kevin Bayrd. So, what is likely next for the former Tennessee Titans safety? ... Free agency is bound to shape what the Titans do in the draft overall, but what happens with the first six overall picks in that draft will be the biggest factor in what the Titans do with their first selection, No. 7 overall. The apparent rise of one quarterback prospect could play a prominent role in that scenario. ... Since it looks as if Henry is headed to free agency, what is his most likely destination for the 2024 season?

The Tennessee Titans started the week with three more additions to their coaching staff. One new assistant coach has direct ties to the head man, Brian Callahan. Another, like Callahan, is a second-generation coach. ... As the NFL free agency period approaches, the Titans have made no noticeable moves to retain any players whose contracts will soon expire. They also have a bunch of money to spend once the signing period commences. ... Some big-name wide receivers around the league are in the final weeks of their current contracts and could be available soon, but the one guy among them who makes the most sense (and who most excites the fan base) likely will not be available once the time comes. ... Largely overlooked among Tennessee's current needs is an experienced backup quarterback who can help Will Levis and keep the offense going, if needed. One such player who has proven himself in that regard (and who has beaten the Titans) is headed to free agency and makes a lot of sense. ... Cornerback is another area of need. It is also a challenge to find the right fit at that position on the free-agent market. ... After free agency comes the draft. Right now, the Titans have the seventh overall pick (first round) and 38th overall pick (second round) with no third-round selection. Which would be better: Make those two picks as scheduled early in those rounds or trade one or both in order to amass more selections overall? ... Like every other team, Tennessee still has time to re-sign some of its players and keep them from free agency. Among those in that situation, there is one member of the 2023 Titans who franchise officials should do what they can to make sure he is a member of the 2024 Titans.

Not long ago, in two regular-season meetings and one postseason matchup, the Tennessee Titans looked every bit the equal of the Kansas City Chiefs, or as close to it as any NFL team. Now, like every other franchise, the Titans are looking up at the Chiefs, winners of three of the last five Super Bowls, and trying to figure out how to match up. ... A look back at Sunday's Super Bowl LVIII, how Kansas City won and the challenge of dealing with the combination of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid. ... The big game, of course, stirred memories of the Titans' lone Super Bowl appearance, and Denard Walker recalled a meaningful show of support from then-coach Jeff Fisher following that defeat against the St. Louis Rams. ... Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson invoked General George Patton when asked about how he will run that unit under coach Brian Callahan. It is an approach that should excite the players in the system and should look familiar to long-time Tians fans given its ties for former Titans coach Jeff Fisher and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. ... Offensive coordinator Nock Holz sais he expects "speed, detail and execution" from his unit. One of those things currently is in short supply with that unit. ... The position coaches include two have been Titans assistants, previously. Tracy Rocker (defensive line) and Frank Bush (linebackers) filled those same roles under Mike Munchak, who was head coach from 2011-13.

It is Super Bowl week, and Denard Walker reflects on how he navigated the myriad media responsibilities he and the rest of the Tennessee Titans faced ahead of their meeting with the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV. ... The prevailing wisdom among this panel is that the Kansas City Chiefs look like the team to beat this week because of A) the continued greatness of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and B) a better defense than they have had in other recent championship seasons. ... The Titans' new offensive coordinator Nick Holz, who does not have a lengthy professional résumé but who goes back a long way with coach Brian Callahan -- all the way to high school, in fact. ... Holz won't be the play-caller on offense, but his history suggests he can make a significant impact even if he does not perform high-profile duties. ... One reported member of the new coaching staff is former Titants defense back Steve Jackson, who was an important -- if not omnipresent -- member of the franchise's 1999 Super Bowl team. Like Holz, Jackson has some personal history with Callahan, albeit their connection only goes back a few years when they were assistant coaches with the Cincinnati Bengals. ... Former Titans coach Mike Vrabel still has not found a job, and one report in recent days offers a bizarre and tough-to-believe reason for why that is. As of now, it seems that Vrabel will end up with -- in some capacity -- his best friend as a part of a high-profile college football program.

It already is clear that new Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan plans to overhaul significantly the team's coaching staff. ... There have been no official announcements about assistant coaches, but the latest reporting indicates that the Cleveland Browns granted Bill Callahan -- Brian Callahan's father and a long-time, well-respected offensive line coach -- permission to explore the possibility of joining his son's staff. The report further indicates that the Browns won't stand in his way if he wants to leave them. ... The elder Callahan will be the second position coach on offense to be hired. Reports already indicate that Tyke Tolbert, who spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears, will fill that role. One of the members of this podcast actually was coached by Tolbert more than two decades ago. ... Dennard Wilson, who spent last season as Baltimore's defensive backs coach and the two seasons before that in the same position with Philadelphia, reportedly has been tapped to serve as defensive coordinator. A rising star, Wilson reportedly had other opportunities this offseason and likely would have had even more had he waited, but he opted to take on the opportunity to lead the Titans' defense. ... With all of the NFL's head coaching vacancies now filled, former coach Mike Vrabel seems destined to sit out the 2024 season. With no significant record as a defensive coordinator, that seems like an unlikely option for him even if he wanted to get back to work quickly. The real question now seems to be how much of the time off he will use to reflect on the reasons for his dismissal and whether he will do some things differently when (of if) he gets another opportunity to be a head coach.

The episode begins with a nod to a former Tennessee Titans linebacker, Terry Killens, who will make history when Super Bowl LVII is played in Las Vegan. ... Brian Callahan's first public act as Tennessee Titans head coach was an introductory press conference Thursday. The 49-year-old son of former Oakland Raiders head coach Bill Callahan showed much emotion when he discussed those who influenced him most in his professional journey but did not display much of an ego when he reviewed the career path he traveled that got him to this point. ... In previous jobs, Callahan worked with accomplished quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford and Derek Carr well into their respective careers. He noted that things he learned from those players should help him as he works to develop current Titans quarterback Will Levis. ... Callahan says he is eager to meet his new players, but Denard Walker says the majority of those introductions will have to wait. Most players won't be around the facility for the next few months. ... Callahan has not been a head coach at any level of football, but he does have the benefit of having watched his father do it and having spent time in NFL facilities as a youngster. He also has the benefit of the past five seasons as offensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals under Zac Taylor, who effectively groomed Callahan for this opportunity. ... The same day she signed Callahan to a contract, controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk promoted Ran Carthon to executive vice president/general manager, which makes him the final voice on all personnel decisions. Additionally, Chad Brinker was promoted to president of football operations, which places him second in line behind Carthon. ... The moves eliminate any chance for Callahan to make an early grab for power and provides clarity in the decision-making process. It is not clear, however, whether this was a good decision or a means for Adams Strunk to pass the buck.

A week into their search for a new head coach, the Tennessee Titans have confirmed interviews with four candidates, Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, N.Y. Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Las Vegas interim head coach Antonio Pierce and Cincinnati offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. According to reports, they have requested permission to interview 10 coaches, some of whose teams remain alive in the NFL playoffs. ... Callahan looks like the first to emerge as a serious candidate, and his family ties could make for an interesting addition to his staff. ... Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is on his list. While he never has been a head coach, his work as an assistant has been well-received by players with his current and former franchises. ... Most of those the Titans want to interview also have drawn interest from other teams in search of a coach. If it comes down to it, does Tennessee have enough in its favor that someone would choose to coach the Titans over another team? ... Thus far, former coach Mike Vrabel has not drawn a lot of reported interest. That either means his work with the Titans was not as highly regarded as some might think or he simply plans to sit out a year or more before he returns to an NFL sideline. ... While he says he will be forever a Titan, Derrick Henry's latest public comments suggest that he will be on a different sideline in a different uniform in 2024 -- and he is fine with that. The soon-to-be free agent says the most important thing at this stage of hs career is to be with a team that has a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl.

Tennessee Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk fired coach Mike Vrabel on Tuesday, two days after the final game of the 2023 season. Vrabel is the third-winningest coach in franchise history and one of three to guide the team at least as far as the AFC Championship game. ... The decision was not necessarily a shock, given reports about his job status in recent weeks. However, Strunk offered no concrete answer to the question of why she made the move, and general manager Ran Carthon followed up with even less clarity on the issue at a press conference. Similarly, no one was willing – or able – to provide any detail about what they hope to find in Vrabel's replacement. ... Vrabel was 6-18 over his final 24 regular season contests, but posted a winning record (54-45) overall. Plus, his winning percentage in games decided by seven points or fewer was even better, and his winning percentage in games decided by three points or fewer was even better than that. Regardless of overall talent, his teams displayed consistency in several key areas that will be difficult to replicate. ... The general thinking is that Vrabel, the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year, will get another job as quickly as he wants to get back to work. At present, there are six other NFL franchises in search of a head coach, but his ultimate destination might be someplace else. ... Sunday's 28-20 victory over Jacksonville was a satisfying end to an otherwise disappointing season, and a fitting way to close the book on the Titans' tenures of two notable performers, Derrick Henry and Rayn Tannehill – and ultimately their head coach.

No one could say the Tennessee Titans were mailing it in. Although they had lost three of their last four headed into Sunday's game at Houston, all three defeats were in games that went down to the end of regulation or beyond and the victory was a come-from-behind affair in the closing minutes at Miami. The 26-3 loss, which dropped them to 5-11 and left them four games behind their division foes, looked like something completely different. ... This Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium will conclude the 2023 season -- and will provide the Titans with one more opportunity to win a division game. Thus far, they are 0-5 against AFC South opponents. Since realignment in 2002, Tennessee never has failed to win at least one division game. ... The effect of mounting defeats and continuing personnel issues showed Monday when coach Mike Vrabel let loose with a bit of profanity during a press conference. He apologized two days later, but his choice of words spoke volumes about the current emotional state of the man in charge. ... The rumor mill continues to spin with speculation that Vrabel and general manager Ran Carthon do not have a strong working relationship. Recent reports suggest that Vrabel, who is under contract beyond this season, could force his way out and try to find a more comfortable opportunity for the future. Vrabel was asked about the reports this week and expressed his desire to keep the job he has had for nearly six years now. ... Despite the offense's deficiencies, particularly on the line, running back Derrick Henry has topped 1,000 rushing yards for the fifth time in six years, and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins topped 1,000 receiving yards in his first year with the team. Both achievements are notable in their ways. ... There is no question that Will Levis is Tennessee's quarterback of the future. For the second time in recent weeks, though, his status for the next game is in doubt because of an injury. Once again, there is no indication that coaches want to see what second-year quarterback Malik Willis can do or to showcase the 2022 third-round pick for a potential offseason trade.

The Tennessee Titans' latest defeat, 19-16 in overtime against the Houston Texans, was surprisingly similar to their previous one, two weeks earlier against the Indianapolis Colts. ... This loss officially eliminated them from playoff contention and left them with a 5-9 record, which guarantees a second straight losing season. ... For the second time this season, the Titans' starting quarterback sustained a high ankle sprain. The first time it happened, rookie Will Levis stepped in for Ryan Tannehill and ultimately supplanted Tannehill as the full-time starter. Now, Levis is hurt, and Tannehill is poised to step in and play in place of Levis. ... Once again, second-year quarterback Malik Willis appears to have merited little if any consideration as the starter. That makes it seem increasingly that the end of Willis' time in Tennessee is rapidly approaching. ... Levis was injured when he was sacked for the seventh time by the Texans' defense, a play that capped another forgettable performance for the offensive line. ... Likewise, that line did nothing to help running back Derrick Henry, who endured roughly his worst day as a pro. The question as Henry nears the end of his current contract is whether age finally caught up with him or if he simply has been victimized by sub-par blocking during his eighth NFL season. ... Henry and Tannehill are among the Titans' most prominent players who are set to become free agents this offseason. But it is a member of the defense who looks like one player franchise officials should do all they can to re-sign. ... The Seattle Seahawks come to town Sunday fresh off a big, come-from-behind victory on Monday night, just as the Titans did a week earlier. Is there any reason that Tennessee can do to Seattle as Houston did to Tennessee?

The Tennessee Titans won their first road game of the season and dealt the Miami Dolphins their first home defeat 28-27 on Monday. Tennessee overcame a pair of late miscues with two touchdowns and a two-point conversion in the final 2:46, which made the first NFL team since 2016 to win when trailing by 14 with three minutes to play, and the first ever to do so in regulation. ... Now at 5-8, the Titans are still last in the AFC South and have less than a one percent chance to make the playoffs, but the play of the defense (minus Jeffery Simmons) against the league's highest-scoring team and the willingness to battle to the end look like positive signs for what is to come in the remainder of this season and beyond. ... The victory came a day after the world learned that former Titans tight end Frank Wycheck had died at his home in Chattanooga. Wycheck was 52 years old when he passed. During his time with the Titans, though, he was an invaluable part of the offense and an important voice in the locker room and the community. ... Tennessee will face the Houston Texans twice in the final four weeks, including Sunday in Nashville. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had several big games against the Titans as a member of the Texans. Recent events suggest it is likely that he has another big game, this time as a member of the Titans against the Texans.

The Tennessee Titans fell to 4-8 on Sunday when they lost 31-28 in overtime to the Indianapolis Colts. The game included several special teams blunders, injuries to some of Tennessee's most important players, and an uncommon sideline interaction between a couple of players. All in all, it was an unusual affair that resulted in an all-too-common outcome for the Titans. ... The fallout of this latest loss began when special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman was fired on Monday. Aukerman had directed the Titans' special teams since the start of the 2018 season but paid the price for a disastrous performance. Mike Vrabel said he was the one who fired Aukerman. Still, there is ample evidence to suggest the order to do so came from much higher up. ... Third-year linebacker Monty Rice, a third-round pick in 2021, was released on Tuesday and subsequently claimed by the New Orleans Saints. His departure marks the latest failure of recent early selections. ... The Titans signed rookie punter Ty Zentner to replace Ryan Stonehouse, who sustained a season-ending injury as part of the special teams debacle against the Colts. ... Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins did not hide his disappointment when rookie quarterback Will Levis threw a pass out of bounds and well out of Hopkins' reach. The two then had an animated sideline discussion that showed the interesting dynamic that exists between the two. ... Cornerback Kristian Fulton sustained a familiar injury late in the loss to the Colts, and his status for Monday's game at Miami is in doubt. Even though Fulton has not always played his best this season, the timing of his latest ailment could not be worse given the challenges the Dolphins' offense presents. To make matters worse, Jeffery Simmons will be out with an injury of his own, which will hinder the ability of the pass rush to help out the secondary.

Officially, the Tennessee Titans are 4-1 in home games this season, but with their 17-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, they improved to 4-0 in games played at Nissan Stadium (they were the "home" team in their loss to Baltimore in London). Only three other teams have not lost in their own stadiums this year, and they are all good ones. ... Rookie quarterback Will Levis did not have his best game against the Panthers, but it wasn't his worst either. He had one really good half. What he did not have was a turnover. On balance, the decision to play him instead of veteran Ryan Tannehill continues to look wise. ... Running backs were not a hot commodity during last year's free-agent signing period. There will be plenty of them available in 2024, including Derrick Henry, and that scenario is one reason -- among several -- to think that Henry and the Titans could agree on another contract that will keep him around past this season, which is the final one on his current deal. ... The first time the Titans played the Indianapolis Colts this season, quarterback Garnder Minshew replaced an injured Anthony Richardson and led a Colts offense that generated more than 400 total yards, including nearly half that total with the running game. This time, Tennessee players and coaches have the opportunity to prepare for Minshew and the challenges he presents.

Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars was the latest disappointing performance by the Tennessee Titans. The offensive line and defensive backfield continued to struggle, and the Titans had to resort to trick plays to score touchdowns. ... With three straight losses and 14 in the last 17 games, dating back to last season, coach Mike Vrabel has started to face questions about his job security. He does have a record of success with the Titans, a seemingly solid relationship with controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk and a plan for the future. With seven games remaining, though, there are plenty of opportunities to eat away at all of that equity. ... With the loss to Jacksonville, there is now almost zero chance for Tennessee to make the playoffs. That will test the resolve of the players and the creativity of the coaching staff as everyone works to stay motivated. ... Motivation won't be a problem for rookie quarterback Will Levis, who fell out of the first round in April's draft. In this one, he will face another rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, the player the Panthers deemed was the best available when they selected him first overall.

The Tennessee Titans' offensive line has been a liability all season. It got even worse Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when an ankle injury kept right guard Daniel Brunskill out of action and a concussion sidelined left tackle Andre Dillard early in the contest. The makeshift unit did not protect quarterback Will Levis or open holes for running back Derrick Henry well enough for the offense to do much of anything. ... Levis, making his third start, had by far his worst performance to date but was hardly to blame given the pressure he faced throughout the day. It is tough to imagine the rookie signal caller will do much better if his protection does not improve. ... Speaking of Henry, the veteran running back actually leads the AFC and is second in the NFL in rushing yards despite the shortcomings of those whose job it is to open holes for him. ... Even with the issues on offense, the Titans still have the same touchdown ratio and point differential as a team with a 6-3 record, which shows that the defense does enough almost every week to give the team a chance at victory. ... The only team in the AFC with a worse record than Tennessee is the New England Patriots, and there is talk that if that team fires coach Bill Belichick, Tennessee's Mike Vrabel would be the first choice of owner Robert Kraft to take over there.