The former Bengals’ offensive coordinator could have had multiple options if he had let the week play out. Plus, Brock Purdy explains how he was able to keep his hands dry, the coaching carousel keeps spinning and more in Albert Breer’s Tuesday notes.
• The Tennessee Titans were smart to move fast on Brian Callahan—who may have had multiple options had he let the week play out—and get their guy.
Because he wasn’t the primary play-caller with the Cincinnati Bengals, and because the offense he ran was loaded talent-wise, Callahan flew under the radar over the past few years. But the level of respect he has among his peers (and as we wrote in the takeaways), including his boss, is obvious, and a lot of folks are nodding at Tennessee’s decision to hire Callahan, as was reflected in my texts Monday night.
The first piece of fallout here could be whether his father, Bill, winds up going with him to Nashville. Losing Bill Callahan would be a massive blow for a Browns team that’s already fired a handful of coaches, including offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, and would explain why they’ve checked on some line coaches (Seahawks OL coach Andy Dickerson is one) as they’ve looked to replace Van Pelt.
How much do the Browns value Bill Callahan? He’s making more than $3 million per year.
• On Monday, we featured Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones, who made one of the biggest plays of Kansas City’s win over the Buffalo Bills. Jones’s ability to shove left tackle Dion Dawkins back into Josh Allen altered Allen’s throw enough to force his attempt to hit an open Khalil Shakir in the back of the end zone to fall well short.
The Tennessee Titans hired former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their new head coach on Monday evening. Callahan is an offensive-minded leader that will prioritize Will Levis’ development. Callahan will now assemble his own coaching staff, including the appointment of an offensive coordinator.
Callahan will likely call plays in Tennessee, but his OC will be tasked with an important job that includes installing the offense this offseason. Callahan has worked with a bunch of outstanding offensive coaches. We’ve identified three potential OC candidates:
THOMAS BROWN, PANTHERS OC
The Titans once interviewed Mike Vrabel and Matt LaFleur and hired both of them, Vrabel as head coach, and LaFleur as OC. I can see a similar scenario playing out with Callahan and Thomas Brown. Coach Brown is unlikely to remain with the Carolina Panthers, who are hiring a new head coach.
Brown and Callahan haven’t crossed paths professionally but both are well-versed in the Sean McVay/Kyle Shanahan offense. Brown and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor both worked under McVay with the Los Angeles Rams and helped install their variation of the West Coast Offense. Callahan later did the same for Taylor in Cincinnati.
ALEX VAN PELT, FORMER BROWNS OC
There has been talk about Callahan’s dad, Bill Callahan leaving his post with the Cleveland Browns to join his son in Tennessee. Former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is a strong candidate to also bring his coaching talents to Nashville. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski relieved Van Pelt of his duties at the conclusion of their campaign.
Van Pelt previously spent two seasons (2018-19) as Taylor’s quarterbacks coach in Cincinnati. He worked directly with Callahan, who was the offensive coordinator. Van Pelt and Callahan possess a notable coaching connection, and likely share similar concepts.
ERIC STUDESVILLE, DOLPHINS AST. HC/RB COACH
Eric Studesville is one of the most respected assistant coaches in the league. The 56-year-old Studesville is currently with the Miami Dolphins, where he’s survived multiple coaching changes. In Miami, Studesville has worked as a running backs coach, run game coordinator, and co offensive coordinator. Most recently, Mike McDaniel made Studesville an associate head coach.
Studesville was the Denver Broncos’ running backs coach in 2010, and even served as their interim head coach later that season. In 2011, Studesville stayed with Denver and became the running backs coach for the next six campaigns (2011-16). Callahan and Studesville spent six campaigns (2010-15) together with the Broncos. Callahan likely possesses a terrific amount of respect for Studesville.
BO HARDEGREE, FORMER RAIDERS OC
New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce isn’t expected to retain Bo Hardegree as his offensive coordinator. Hardegee was originally appointed in Vegas by former head coach Josh McDaniels. Hardegree is now looking for his next coaching gig.
Hardegree is a quality coach that worked under Bill Belichick in 2021. Hardegree previously worked alongside Callahan in Denver in 2014 when both were offensive assistants. Hardegree is well-versed in multiple offensive schemes and would be an asset to Callahan.
KLINT KUBIAK, 49ers PASSING GAME COORDINATOR
Klink Kubiak is the son of Gary Kubiak, one of the masters of the West Coast Offense. Kubiak is currently employed as Kyle Shanahan’s passing game coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. Shanahan’s assistants are frequently in line for promotion.
Kubiak and Callahan haven’t worked together, but share similar concepts and beliefs. Kubiak joined the Broncos as an offensive assistant in 2016 the same month Callahan left Denver to become the Detroit Lions’ quarterbacks coach. Kubiak later returned to Denver as their passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and also enjoyed a stint as the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator.
