In an absolute bombshell, the Tennessee Titans fired head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel had allegedly been at odds with general manager Ran Carthon, which led to differences with ownership. Instead of potentially facilitating a trade involving Vrabel, who is expected to be in high demand by other teams with openings, the Titans allowed Vrabel to outright get away without receiving compensation for him.
The decision to fire Vrabel is questionable. Nonetheless, the Titans must move forward. Carthon is expected to hold a pivotal role in the search for Tennessee's next coach. We've identified three potential candidates.
BOBBY SLOWIK, TEXANS OC
In his first offseason as general manager, Carthon brought three players to Tennessee that he previously spent time with in San Francisco. They were Arden Key, Daniel Brunskill, and Azeez Al-Shaair. Carthon's top candidates are expected to include coaches he's inherently familiar with.
While a ton of assistants from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree have already been plucked to lead franchises elsewhere, Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik remains available for promotion. Slowik cut his teeth as Shanahan's offensive passing game coordinator before following DeMeco Ryans to Houston. In his first season as an offensive coordinator, Slowik helped rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud put together a historical debut season. Stroud is the heavy favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, which enhances Slowik’s resume.
The Titans would also benefit from the added incentive of plucking a quality coach away from a division rival. I'd be stunned if Slowik wasn't an immediate candidate. Slowik is a heavy favorite.
BEN JOHNSON, LIONS OC
Following the dismissal of the defensive-minded Vrabel, I expect the Titans to target an offensive-minded coach. Prioritizing the development of sophomore quarterback Will Levis is of the utmost importance throughout this hiring process. That should make Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson a desirable candidate.
Johnson is undeniably in high demand. How he views Levis as a quarterback may determine his interest level in Tennessee's opening. The Titans are also scheduled to possess approximately $80 million in cap space this offseason, which is enough financial flexibility to offer Johnson an opportunity to build a roster in his vision.
The dismissal of Vrabel won't be popular in Nashville. Ownership may look to make a splash hire as they conduct damage control in the local market. Landing Johnson, arguably the top candidate in this year's carousel, could help the fan base quickly forget the Vrabel debacle.
BOBBY TURNER, 49ERS RB COACH
Here's an outside-the-box candidate with connections to Carthon. Bobby Turner has been coaching in San Francisco alongside Shanahan since 2017. That means Carthon and Turner spent six seasons (2017-22) together.
Turner was also on the now-acclaimed 2011 Washington staff that employed Shanahan, Slowik, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, and Mike McDaniel. Turner is an original Mike Shanahan disciple, serving as his running backs coach from 1995 to 2009. If the Titans want to stabilize the organization with an experienced coach who understands collaboration, Turner could be on Carthon's shortlist.
