The New York Giants are continuing their trend of hiring coaches linked to the Tennessee Titans, with NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reporting that Brian Callahan, the former Titans head coach, interviewed for the Giants’ vacant quarterbacks coach position under head coach John Harbaugh. If hired, Callahan would join fellow former Titans assistants Dennard Wilson and Matt Nagy on Harbaugh’s staff this offseason. This move highlights the Giants’ focus on developing their quarterbacks, specifically second-year player Jaxson Dart, with Callahan’s experience as a key factor.
Brian Callahan’s Extensive Background as a Quarterback Mentor
Callahan brings a strong resume as a developer of quarterbacks. He spent six years with the Denver Broncos between 2010 and 2015, during which he coached Peyton Manning throughout Manning’s 2013 MVP season and the team’s Super Bowl 50 victory in 2015. After Denver, Callahan worked with Matthew Stafford in Detroit during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, then coached Derek Carr in Oakland.
His reputation grew significantly during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals as offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2023. Callahan played a crucial role in nurturing Joe Burrow’s talent, helping the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI after the 2021 season and the AFC Championship Game the following year. Although Zac Taylor served as the play-caller, Callahan’s influence was evident in the offensive schemes and Burrow’s progression into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
Challenges During Callahan’s Tenure as Titans Head Coach
Callahan’s move to head coach of the Tennessee Titans proved difficult. In 2024, he compiled a 3-14 record while struggling to stabilize the Titans’ quarterback position, rotating between Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. Levis started 12 games, throwing an equal number of touchdowns and interceptions (12 each), while Rudolph posted a 2-5 record over five starts. There was little progress in quarterback development under Callahan’s leadership.
The 2025 season began similarly poorly with first overall pick Cam Ward at quarterback. Tennessee’s offense ranked last in yards per game in the first six weeks, leading Callahan to relinquish play-calling responsibilities to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree after a heavy loss to Indianapolis in Week 3. Following a 1-5 start, Callahan was fired in October, closing his head coaching record with the Titans at 4-19 across less than two full seasons. Despite these setbacks, Callahan’s expertise in quarterback development, especially with Manning, Stafford, Carr, and Burrow, remains respected in NFL circles.
Giants Building a Coaching Staff Grounded in Titans Experience
The Giants’ interest in Callahan marks a continuation of their pattern of bringing in coaches with ties to the Titans. Matt Nagy, a finalist for the Titans’ head coaching job, joined Harbaugh as offensive coordinator in early February, while Dennard Wilson, Tennessee’s defensive coordinator for the last two seasons, was hired as the Giants’ defensive coordinator in late January.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Callahan has interviewed with the Giants twice, the first time for the offensive coordinator role before Nagy was hired. At 41 years old, Callahan would assume a vital role in shaping the offense and continuing the development of young quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart. With the NFL offseason underway, the Giants are expected to finalize their decision on this coaching position shortly.
The Giants already interviewed Brian Callahan for their OC position. Now he's in the running for QB coach.
Seems a strong likelihood he ends up as the Giants quarterbacks coach with a second interview.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) February 10, 2026
