'A dream come true': Why Titans head coach Brian Callahan employed his father

Whenever you’re an NFL head coach, you’re answerable for plenty of issues.

Brian Callahan, the first-year head coach of the Tennessee Titans, is now overseeing elements he didn’t have to consider earlier than as an assistant. He’s managing observe schedules, energy coaching and his employees — which occurs to incorporate his father, Invoice Callahan, as offensive line coach. 

“It’s a dream come true,” Invoice informed NBC Information. “We’re pleased with Brian, as we’re of all of our youngsters, however that is actually a novel and a uncommon scenario that we’re in proper now.”

Invoice has spent many years teaching school and professional groups in numerous capacities. He was head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2002 to 2003 and the College of Nebraska from 2004 to 2007. He has additionally coached NFL offensive traces for 22 seasons and was an offensive coordinator for seven years. 

He most not too long ago oversaw the Cleveland Browns’ offensive line from 2020 to 2023, however this season marks the primary time he and his son have been on the identical employees. Invoice at all times harassed the significance of Brian’s forging his personal path.  

“He was very adamant about me making my very own approach within the career and never counting on him to get a job or kick-start my profession,” Brian stated.

The tables turned, nevertheless, in January. The Titans provided Brian, who had spent 4 profitable seasons because the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, the top teaching position, and one in all his first objectives was so as to add his father. The one downside? Invoice was nonetheless below contract with the Browns.

“It’s arduous to get out of a contract within the Nationwide Soccer League for a coach,” Invoice stated. “So for [the Browns] to open the door and the avenue to return with Brian meant quite a bit to me. It simply reveals you they’re first-class folks, they’re particular. Cleveland was a particular place for me for 4 years, however when it’s household and household comes calling, it’s totally different, and it’s very particular.” 

Now a father and son from the identical household tree — however barely totally different teaching bushes — are attempting to get the Titans on the monitor for achievement. Their similarities and the distinctive dynamic have led to a couple misunderstandings and jokes alongside the best way, nevertheless.

“It’s form of complicated. I simply name them each ‘coach,’” Titans heart Lloyd Cushenberry stated. “Typically I’ll name them ‘Coach Invoice’; generally I’ll name Brian ‘Coach Cally.’ I imply, no matter comes out.”

Working backs coach Randy Jordan remembers getting confused early on.

“I get right here they usually had been like, ‘Cally’s within the constructing.’ [I’m] eager about Invoice however not considering that’s Brian. So there was a bit little bit of communication that happened in my mind by way of saying, ‘OK, now Brian is Cally and Invoice is Invoice.’”

Offensive coordinator Nick Holz, who performed highschool soccer with Brian and coached below Invoice, stated it’s very easy to combine them up.

“It’s such as you’re speaking to the identical individual at occasions,” Holz stated. “So that you’re like, ‘Wait, that’s simply the older model of the youthful model.’ However it’s been enjoyable.”

So far as communication on the sidelines and over the headset, Brian stated he tries to maintain it skilled. Nonetheless, previous habits of what to name his father die arduous.

“I strive to stick with ‘coach’ more often than not,” he stated.

Requested whether or not a few “dads” have slipped out, he replied, “Right here and there.”

No matter they go by and name one another, this son and father teaching combo is correct the place they need to be. Regardless of an 0-2 begin to the season, they’re redefining the household teaching tree.

“It’s actually particular for any dad on the market to be with their son,” Invoice stated. “To finish my profession with my son? You couldn’t ask for a greater state of affairs.”

Brian stated: “I actually by no means thought it was going to be me as the top coach, hiring him to teach the offensive line. I by no means in 1,000,000 years thought that will be the case, but it surely’s been a dream come true.”