Here’s a hard truth: the decision to strip Brian Callahan of playcalling duties—and ultimately his job—likely came straight from the top. But here’s where it gets controversial: was this a justified move by Titans ownership, or another example of meddling in football operations? According to a report by Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com, the call to hand playcalling responsibilities to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree after a Week 3 loss to the Colts probably originated with owner Amy Adams Strunk. While some might argue Strunk has every right to make such decisions, others question whether this oversteps the boundaries of ownership. After all, the best owners trust their football experts to handle on-field matters, while less effective ones often interfere—sometimes with disastrous results.
And this is the part most people miss: the report suggests the decision wasn’t directly Callahan’s, but rather a directive from President of Football Operations Chad Brinker and G.M. Mike Borgonzi, who were allegedly instructed by ownership to make the change. This raises a bigger question: How much autonomy do coaches truly have in organizations where ownership seems to call the shots? The dysfunction didn’t end there. On Monday, the Titans fired Callahan but delayed announcing an interim head coach for hours, all while the clock ticked toward Mike Vrabel’s return to Nashville—leading a Patriots team that’s already matched the Titans’ win total in 23 games since Vrabel’s departure.
This situation serves as a stark warning to aspiring head coaches: Before chasing the title, look beyond the paycheck. Research the franchise’s history. Examine how ownership behaves and how past coaches have been treated. Ask yourself: Am I walking into a well-oiled machine, or a revolving door of dysfunction? While a lucrative buyout might be tempting, top-tier coaches would be wise to wait for the right opportunity—one where their expertise is valued, not undermined.
Here’s the bold question for you: Is Amy Adams Strunk’s involvement in football decisions a necessary exercise of ownership, or a recipe for long-term failure? Let’s debate this in the comments. And for those considering coaching roles, remember: sometimes the best move is to wait for the right team, not just any team.
