The Tennessee Titans’ coaching staff rebuild under new head coach Robert Saleh has its first cornerstone. On January 26, 2026, the team officially announced the hiring of Brian Daboll as the new offensive coordinator. This move signals a clear and aggressive intent to revitalize an offense that ranked among the league’s worst during a dismal 3-14 season in 2025.
Daboll brings a wealth of high-level experience to Nashville. A former NFL head coach, he is widely respected for his offensive mind and play-calling acumen. His career includes successful stints as an offensive coordinator where he developed quarterbacks and crafted dynamic, adaptable schemes. For a Titans franchise in the throes of a significant reset, landing a coordinator of Daboll’s caliber is a substantial early victory for Saleh and General Manager Mike Borgonzi.
The primary task for Daboll will be to evaluate and develop the quarterback position. The 2025 season was a carousel of injuries and inconsistency under center. Will Levis, who began the year as the starter, finished on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Veteran Brandon Allen saw action, and rookie Cam Ward, a mid-season acquisition, started the final games, including a Week 18 loss in Jacksonville where the offense managed only 7 points. Daboll’s history of quarterback development will be paramount as the Titans decide whether to build around Ward, reignite Levis’ prospects, or seek a new franchise signal-caller through the draft or free agency.
Furthermore, Daboll must address a skill-position group that was decimated by injury and underperformance. The receiving corps was a particular weakness, with veterans like Van Jefferson (who ended the year on IR) failing to provide consistent production. The late-season promotion of practice squad players like Bryce Oliver and Hal Presley III—both recently signed to futures contracts—highlights the lack of established depth. Daboll’s offensive philosophy, which has historically emphasized creativity in getting playmakers the ball in space, will be tested as he works with Borgonzi to reshape the roster.
This hiring also represents a crucial partnership for Robert Saleh. Known as a defensive mastermind from his time with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, Saleh requires a strong, autonomous leader for the offense. By appointing Daboll, Saleh delegates full authority over that side of the ball to a proven commodity, allowing him to focus on installing his defensive culture and managing the team as a whole. The success of this partnership will define the early years of the Saleh era in Tennessee. With the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency on the horizon, Daboll’s influence on personnel decisions will be immediate and profound as the Titans seek to construct a modern, competitive offense.