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 publicly praised the Titans’ hiring 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.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network was the first to disclose the Hardegree story.
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 appointed 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.
