Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon watches players warm up before the game against the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports/File photo
ORLANDO – Ja’Marr Chase was in a hurry Saturday morning, signing autographs for fans, getting mic’d up for Bengals.com, and interacting with his Pro Bowl colleagues after exiting the tunnel here at Camping World Stadium.
Coaches encouraged players to onto the field for AFC practice, leaving Chase with only a few moments to spare.
Then the Bengals receiver heard the name Brian Callahan.
“You want to talk to me about Cally?,” Chase asked before coming to a halt. “That’s one of my closest buddies. “I love him to death.”
Last month, the Titans hired Callahan as their next head coach, succeeding Mike Vrabel.
Callahan came to Tennessee with 14 years of NFL coaching experience, including the previous five seasons as the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator.
Chase believes Callahan is an excellent hire for the Titans.
“I hate to see him leave, but it’s nice to see him get a head job,” remarked Chase. “He’s a good coach who values his players. We always had nice chats. I think he’s a fantastic man. The Titans were fortunate to acquire him.
“I think it will be fun to watch him perform what he does. It’s a new opportunity, and we’ll see what kind of playmakers he can build and maximize.
Callahan worked under head coach Zac Taylor in Cincinnati, where he helped the Bengals win two AFC North crowns, two AFC Championships, and a Super Bowl berth.
Cincinnati’s offense under Callahan had three 1,000-yard wide receivers: Chase (2021-23), Tee Higgins (2021-22), and Tyler Boyd (2019).
Chase has made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and is the eighth player in NFL history to have 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, including 1,216 yards on a career-high 100 receptions in 2023.
Callahan will call offensive plays in Tennessee, which he did not do in Cincinnati.
“I think he’ll do great,” Chase remarked. “He has a great mastermind in setting up his players, the way he wants to set them up to get them the ball.”
Under Callahan’s direction, quarterback Joe Burrow has matured into one of the league’s best, but the Bengals’ entire offense has thrived.
Callhan will work with Titans quarterback Will Levis on an offense that needs a jumpstart.
“Joe loves him, man,” Chase explained. “I mean, everyone in the stadium loves him. The entire crew adores him. “He’s a good guy.”
Chase prophesied that the Titans will also adore Callahan as a coach and a person.
“I will always speak highly of him,” Chase remarked. “My friendship with him grew over time as I had the ability to communicate with him like a man, to approach him and talk. He’s a fantastic person.
“We all hate to see him leave, but it’s a great opportunity for him.”
