The comparison was made to Panthers coach Dave Canales, who is under pressure despite only being in his second year — similar to Callahan’s situation. Both cases are marked by organizational instability that starts at the top.

In Tennessee, internal power dynamics have shifted, with Chad Brinker emerging as the leading decision-maker following a power struggle. He now works alongside new general manager Mike Borgonzi. This reshuffling raises questions about how well the front office and coaching staff align. If Callahan doesn’t meet expectations, Brinker and Borgonzi may decide to bring in their own head coach to match their vision, potentially disrupting the team further.

Callahan’s Future Tied to Cam Ward’s Growth and Titans’ Organizational Stability

Brian Callahan’s 3-14 debut season left the Titans with the worst record in the league, but it also gave them the first overall pick and a chance to draft quarterback Cam Ward. Ward represents hope for the franchise’s future, but his development hinges on stability within the organization. If Callahan is removed prematurely, it could jeopardize Ward’s growth and the team’s ability to build around him effectively.

Despite these concerns, the Titans’ recent track record suggests a lack of patience and clear direction, raising legitimate doubts about Callahan’s job security. To stay off the hot seat, he likely needs a significant improvement, possibly doubling his win total from last season. Without that, he may become the latest casualty in an organization that continues to struggle with long-term vision and cohesion.

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But the Titans are in need of a quarterback and more draft picks, which means trading the top pick or selecting a quarterback with the first pick are both options they are considering.

Titans coach Brian Callahan met with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders on Friday at the East-West Shrine Bowl. New General Manager Mike Borgonzi, Brinker, assistant coaches, and scouts from the team were also present, according to Jim Wyatt from the team’s website.

Callahan came away with a positive impression of Sanders, who is the son of Colorado coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

“You can tell he’s been raised right,” Callahan said. “He’s mature. He has a really poised way about him, and he seems like a really good kid. I enjoyed talking to him. And, you could tell he’s a guy who has been in the spotlight. He knows how to handle himself. He’s been paid money, so he has a financial perspective.”

Although Sanders didn’t throw on Friday, he is expected to participate in practices in the coming days.

Callahan explained that the pre-draft process is “invaluable,” especially for quarterbacks.

“It’s big,” Callahan said. “It’s another chance to be in contact with them. Even though Shedeur didn’t throw today, I got a chance to talk to him for 15 minutes, and that’s one touchpoint to probably what’s going to be multiple – Combine touchpoint, pro day touchpoint, 30-visit touchpoint, to where you really get to uncover everything about the player.

The film is the film, but the rest of it is important – who they are, how they function, what their personality is, what they are like in the building when you get them in for a 30-visit. And then you get to the point where you have a full picture of the player and the person, and it allows you to make the best decision. Every one of these matters, and they all have different values over the course of the process.”

“Especially for the first exposure for this, it was invaluable for me to put a name to a face for Shedeur and talk to him. And there are other players here, too, that you get your first exposure to in the scouting process.”

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In 2014, the team went 2-14 during Ken Whisenhunt’s first year as head coach.

Now, with a 3-13 record, the Titans could match their worst record ever if they lose to Houston on Sunday. This would be due to the NFL’s 17-game season.

In December 2022, controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk fired the general manager after the team went from two-time division champs to a losing streak. Then, she let go of coach Mike Vrabel after a 6-11 season.

Now, Brian Callahan is heading into the final game of his first season with five straight losses and seven out of the last eight games in the Titans’ third consecutive losing season. The only win in this stretch came in Houston.

The 2014 season gave the Titans the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, where they selected quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was benched in 2019 for Ryan Tannehill.

The pressure is building for this team. On Sunday, the Titans will wear their Houston Oilers throwback uniforms as they face the Texans. They are also selling personal seat licenses and season tickets for their $2.2 billion stadium, set to open in 2027.

Callahan was asked about an NFL Network report that suggested he and his staff would be back for the 2025 season. He said his conversations with Strunk have been positive and that he is in regular talks with general manager Ran Carthon and president of football operations Chad Brinker.

“I just come in and try to do my job as best I can and do it as long as they allow me to do it,” Callahan said Monday. “And if at some point, and hopefully it’s years from now when someone says we don’t need your services anymore, then that’s how it goes.”

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