The Tennessee Titans have agreed to appoint Brian Callahan, the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator, as head coach, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The individual spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the agreement had not yet been formalized.
Callahan succeeds Mike Vrabel, who was sacked on January 9 after six seasons.
On January 12, Callahan, 39, had a virtual interview with Tennessee, becoming the first of ten applicants to talk with the club. The Titans interviewed Callahan in person on Monday and hired him, according to the person.
The NFL did not allow in-person interviews with current league employees until Monday, the day following the divisional playoff round.
Callahan is the third coach to be appointed this month. The Patriots promoted Jerod Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick, while the Raiders elevated interim coach Antonio Pierce.
Callahan has 14 years of NFL experience. He has been the Bengals’ offensive coordinator since 2019 and is credited with helping to develop quarterback Joe Burrow. He will now get the opportunity to train with Will Levis, the quarterback Tennessee selected at No. 33 overall last April.
Callahan was with the Bengals when they defeated the Titans, the AFC’s top seed, in the playoffs following the 2021 season. Cincinnati advanced to the Super Bowl, where it fell to the Los Angeles Rams.
The son of former Raiders coach Bill Callahan has been a favorite candidate for head coaching jobs. He interviewed with multiple teams last year before deciding to remain in Cincinnati. Callahan also had an interview with the Los Angeles Chargers this month.
