Featured Columnist IVJanuary 15, 2024
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The Tennessee Titans reportedly requested permission to interview Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson for their head-coaching vacancy.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the meeting between the Titans and Johnson should take place this week after the Eagles’ Wild Card Round game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tennessee has also expressed interest in Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Brian Johnson is in his first season as Eagles offensive coordinator after serving the previous two years as the team’s quarterbacks coach. Philadelphia finished eighth in total offense and seventh in scoring but fell apart in the back half of the 2023 season. After getting off to an NFL-best 10-1 start, the Eagles lost five of their last six games and scored under 20 points in four of those contests.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts has spent much of that stretch dealing with nagging injuries that’s led to a noticeable downturn in performance. He threw just four touchdowns against five interceptions in his last four starts and saw his downfield passing ability essentially evaporate.
ESPN’s Tim McManus reported there has also been a push-and-pull between Johnson and head coach Nick Sirriani over play calling that’s led to confusion in the locker room. Eagles offensive players reportedly have issues distinguishing “who is calling the plays and when” as a result.
Once considered a red-hot name in coaching circles, Johnson saw his star dwindle a bit down the stretch as a result of the Eagles’ struggles. It would be a surprise to see him get a head-coaching job during this cycle given the amount of high-profile names that are currently available.
The Titans are looking for a replacement for Mike Vrabel, who was let go following a six-year tenure after back-to-back losing seasons. Vrabel went 54-45 during his tenure in Tennessee.
