Nashville — A Tennessee Volunteer is reportedly returning home to become the Tennessee Titans’ next quarterback coach. No, it is not Tennessee Volunteers legend Peyton Manning who has openly welcomed the Titans’ selection of head coach Brian Callahan. Bo Hardegree, who grew up in Jackson and formerly played for the Vols, is the Titans’ new signing. He’ll be expected to continue Will Levis’ schooling, as the team’s presumed future quarterback. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to disclose the Hardegree news.
Hardegree served as the Las Vegas Raiders’ temporary offensive coordinator in 2023 after the team sacked head coach Josh McDaniels. The Raiders averaged 23 points in nine games, winning five of them under rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell. Hardegree, 39, joined the NFL in 2014 as an offensive quality control coach in Denver, where he worked under Callahan. He subsequently worked as an offensive assistant with the Bears in 2015 before being hired as the Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach in 2016.
He worked with the Jets in 2019 and 2020, working alongside Dennard Wilson, who is now the Titans’ defensive coordinator.
In addition to the new appointment, the Titans might keep a member of Mike Vrabel’s staff. According to Justin Melo of the Draft Network, the Titans have denied many interview requests for running backs coach Justin Outten. The Titans hired Outten last summer, and despite having the league’s weakest offensive line, Derrick Henry carried for over 1,000 yards and made the Pro Bowl. Tyjae Spears, a rookie running back, also demonstrated the ability to become a future star.
The Titans have officially confirmed the hiring of Nick Holz as offensive line coach. Tyke Tolbert has been hired as wide receivers coach, while Brian’s father, Bill Callahan, will coach the Titan offensive line, according to reports.
READ MORE…….
Former Titans coach Mike Vrabel could have a new job with an old friend—at Wisconsin.
Nashville — Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who was turned down for seven NFL coaching positions in the last month, might be working in football as early as this spring – in Wisconsin, with an old buddy.
Luke Fickell, head coach at the University of Wisconsin, told ESPN Wisconsin that Vrabel, his former college roommate, classmate, and coaching colleague, may help the Badgers this season.
“I spoke with (Vrabel) on Saturday, after not communicating for about a week due to the process. And, honest to God, he sounded like a new man. I’m not sure if this was his choice or what the future holds, but I do know that we’ll have a visitor (in Madison) who will hopefully spend some time with us. Coming in the spring, and so on. See how deeply we can get involved with my pal.”
Fickell reaffirmed his commitment to bringing Vrabel on board in whatever capacity is most appropriate.
“I love Mike and want to keep him around as much as possible,” Fickell told ESPN. “I want to observe how much he enjoys being around, especially in the spring. “And we’ll take it from there.”
Fickel and Vrabel were roommates and teammates at Ohio State throughout the 1990s. Fickell, then the interim head coach at Ohio State, signed Vrabel in 2011 to coach linebackers, just after Vrabel’s 14-year NFL playing career ended. They also worked on Urban Meyer’s defensive staff at Ohio State from 2012 to 2013.
Vrabel coached the Titans for six seasons, going 54-45. Despite two consecutive losing seasons that led to his dismissal, Vrabel is a past NFL Coach of the Year and was considered a strong prospect for another head coaching position. He conducted interviews with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Chargers.
