INDIANAPOLIS — Brian Callahan walked out of his hotel lobby early Wednesday morning on his way to meet with some of the prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.
Callahan had hardly gotten it out the door when Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh stopped him, shook his hand, and congratulated him. Callahan, in turn, complimented Harbaugh on his championship season at Michigan and his own new NFL job.
The coaches then descended the escalator and entered the crowded hallways of the Indianapolis Convention Center, where they were attending the NFL Combine, on their way to Lucas Oil Stadium.
Callahan has had numerous interactions this week at his first combine as a head coach.
“Getting a lot of ‘Congrats’,” Callahan remarked with a smile, “and I appreciate it. It’s been incredibly amazing to witness everyone’s excitement and happiness for me. It makes everything much more interesting.”
It has been just over a month since Callahan was unveiled as the Tennessee Titans’ next head coach. His life has been a whirlwind since then, as he has sought to hire his first coaching staff while also balancing office chores such as meetings with coaches, scouts, players, other team officials, media, and a few appearances with season ticket holders.
Free agency and the NFL Draft are two major events on the horizon.
Callahan keeps a running list on his phone’s Notes app for when something comes to mind that he might forget.
Along the way, he’s gotten plenty of guidance.
One particular interaction stood out: it was with Colts General Manager Chris Ballard.
“Just make sure you enjoy it and have fun,” Callahan remembered Ballard urging him. “He told me, ‘You are ready for it, you are prepared, so enjoy it.’ And I’ve tried to do just that: enjoy the process. I had fun and enjoyed it. He also advised, “Take your time.” Don’t be rushed, and don’t feel obligated to complete everything in one day.
Callahan, a long-time assistant who most recently served as the Bengals’ offensive coordinator, said the flow of his day has changed as a head coach.
But he’s having fun as he settles in and prepares for the future.
Two men he worked with in Cincinnati, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin, stated at the combine that Callahan was definitely prepared for the next step.
“They’re getting a good coach, while we’re losing a good coach,” Tobin said of Callahan and the Titans. “They’re getting a guy that is 100% prepared for the job. Brian has the precise personality you want in that role. He’s incredibly bright. He is a people person. He communicates well with players, staff, and everyone else in the building. He grew up with football. He’s got a lot of amazing ideas and concepts. He has the proper demeanor and personality. So it’s a terrific hire for them, but a significant loss for us. We thoroughly liked our time with Brian. I knew he was prepared. I knew he had; it was just a matter of another team recognizing it, which they did, and we’re really thrilled for him.”
When Titans General Manager Ran Carthon approached Taylor about Callahan, he offered him a strong endorsement as well.
“He sat right by my side for five years, and he became one of my best friends,” Taylor recalled. “He was ready for the occasion and contributed significantly to our achievement. And I am convinced he will contribute significantly to their success in Tennessee.”
Callahan’s first month on the job has been full of work away from his family. Callahan’s wife and two children stay in Cincinnati, so they attempt to communicate via FaceTime either early in the morning or late at night. His days have been so busy that occasionally days pass before he realizes he hasn’t checked in. The entire Callahan family intends to relocate to Nashville following the current school year, where they will find a new home.
Callahan is currently living in an apartment in the West End area.
He has eaten at Kayne Prime Steakhouse and Pelato in Germantown.
“Been to a Predators game,” he continued, “and looking forward to going back. “They are hot right now.”
Callahan once walked along Broadway to get a sense for the city. When he’s out, he is occasionally recognized.
“I’ve been pretty anonymous, I think, but a few folks have come up, which is kind of new for me,” he told me. “Everyone has been so polite and inviting. A lot of greetings and ‘Welcome to Nashville’. It’s been a lovely greeting.”
The majority of Callahan’s time has been spent at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
On most days, he arrives early and leaves at 9 p.m., which is more like a regular season routine than an offseason one.
But there’s work to be done and people to get to know.
At a recent staff meeting, Callahan displayed photos of four or five members of the team and asked attendees if they recognized them.
“It’s one of those things to remind people: Get to know people who work here,” said Callahan. “I do it just as much for me as I do for them.”
Callahan is still getting to know the returning guys from last season.
He’s called a lot of them, but not all. Some have gone out of their way to visit his workplace. He’ll get to meet everyone when the offseason program begins on April 8, which he’s looking forward to.
Some he already knows well.
“I joke with Ryan Stonehouse all the time,” Callahan said of the team’s punter. “I believe he has been in the building every single day I have been there, including Saturdays and Sundays. If I am in the building, I will see Stoney at some point. So, I’ve seen the majority of him. Obviously, Will (Levis) has been around a little. “He always comes by when he’s in the building.”
As Callahan prepared for his meeting with the prospects this morning, he provided a brief overview of what he looks for in players.
He is searching for attributes such as high character, coachability, consistency, and a passion for football. Callahan also values speed and explosiveness on both sides of the football.
Callahan has gotten a taste of what’s to come during the last month.
It’s also made him want more.
“As a head coach, there is definitely a lot to do,” Callahan said. “I haven’t felt overwhelmed by any of it. A lot of things I sensed was coming. And I’m feeling quite prepared. I haven’t had a moment where I thought, “Oh my gosh, this is a much bigger deal than I expected.” I’m pretty pleased with it. “I’m very excited.”
