Report: Ex-Lions QBs coach to be next Tennessee Titans head coach

ALLEN PARK — Brian Callahan, the Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator and former quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions, will reportedly be the next head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

Callahan was the quarterbacks coach for the franchise from 2016 to 2017. And he’s served as the offensive coordinator for Joe Burrow’s Bengals since 2019. NFL Network reports he had a second interview with the Titans on Monday, and they “aren’t letting him out of the building.”

That connection isn’t the only reason that news is meaningful for the Lions. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn interviewed for the vacant position Friday night before their divisional-round win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Titans also requested an interview with Ben Johnson, the third team to have interest in both Lions coordinators.

Callahan replaces Mike Vrabel, who still needs a new job, in Tennessee. Vrabel won two division titles, three coach of the year honors in 2021 and made the playoffs three times in his six years as head coach.

Other NFL vacancies already filled include Antonio Pierce having the interim tag removed in Las Vegas and the Patriots promoting Jerod Mayo to head coach after Bill Belichick’s departure.

The Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers still have vacancies. Johnson has interviewed with the Commanders, Panthers, Chargers, Seahawks and one planned with the Falcons. Glenn has spoken with the Falcons and Chargers, previously virtually meeting with the Titans.

Johnson is reportedly the odds-on favorite in Washington, with Adam Peters named its new general manager. And Lions head coach Dan Campbell took a minute on Monday to praise Glenn’s work as the defense continues to improve down the stretch.

” … There’s nobody that works harder. There’s nobody,” Campbell said. “And he’s got great vision for putting a plan together. He understands football very well and when you start talking about his leadership, he’s one of these guys — he’s special. He’s special. He’s got it.

“His ability to communicate, to relate, to push, to grind, to love, demand, he’s got it all. He’s an outstanding communicator, he’s an outstanding teacher and I mean he just, he is. That’s what I say, I’m fortunate that he’s on staff with me. He’s better looking than me, other than that, I mean.”