Titans Head Coach Rumors: Nagy, Smith, and Brady Considered

After parting ways with head coach Brian Callahan, the struggling Tennessee Titans, currently sitting at 1-5, will be led by Mike McCoy in an interim capacity. It seems unlikely that he will secure the position permanently, suggesting that the Titans’ next head coach for the 2026 season will likely come from outside the organization.

Potential Candidates for Titans Head Coach

The Titans are reportedly considering a few notable names for their head coaching vacancy, including Matt Nagy and Arthur Smith. NFL reporter Ian Rapoport has highlighted both as early contenders.

Matt Nagy’s Background

Matt Nagy, the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, has previous head coaching experience with the Chicago Bears. He took the Bears to the playoffs in his first season in 2018, leading them to a 12-4 record. Despite a positive start, Nagy’s time in Chicago ended with a record of 34-31 and two playoff appearances, concluding with a disappointing 6-11 season in 2021.

• Tenure with Bears: 2018-2021
• Record: 34 wins, 31 losses
• Playoff appearances: Two

Since rejoining the Chiefs in 2022, Nagy has been part of a team that reached three consecutive Super Bowls, winning two titles. However, head coach Andy Reid, not Nagy, manages the play-calling duties. Nagy, 47, has connections to Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, a former staff member at the Chiefs.

Arthur Smith’s Experience

Arthur Smith brings a different perspective as a former Titans coach who held several roles with the organization from 2011 to 2020. He had a fruitful stint as the Titans’ offensive coordinator before becoming the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he was unable to improve upon three consecutive 7-10 seasons.

• Time with Titans: 2011-2020
• First head coach role: Atlanta Falcons
• Record with Falcons: 21 wins, 27 losses over three seasons

Now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith’s offense ranked 16th in points and 21st in yardage in his first year, while they are currently 14th in points but 29th in yards this season under quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Other Candidates: Joe Brady

Despite being a noteworthy name, it appears that Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, may not be in the running. At just 36 years old, Brady stepped into the offensive play-calling role in 2023 but lacks head coaching experience. Reports suggest that following the unsuccessful Callahan era, the Titans may shy away from hiring another inexperienced option.

Conclusion

The Titans are clearly at a crossroads in their coaching strategy. With only one win this season, the pressure to find a suitable long-term solution for the head coach role is mounting. As the organization evaluates its options, both Nagy and Smith are strong candidates based on their experience and past successes.