The Tennessee Titans have recruited a former Tennessee Volunteer as their quarterbacks coach.
NASHVILLE — A Tennessee Volunteer is reportedly returning home to take on the role of quarterbacks coach for the Tennessee Titans.
Contrary to speculation about Vols icon Peyton Manning, who has praised the Titans’ decision to hire head coach Brian Callahan, it is Bo Hardegree, a native of Jackson and former Vols player, who has been selected for the position. Hardegree’s primary responsibility will be to mentor Will Levis, who is anticipated to be the Titans’ quarterback of the future.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport initially broke the news about Hardegree’s appointment.
In 2023, Hardegree served as the interim offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders following the dismissal of head coach Josh McDaniels. During his tenure, the Raiders achieved an average of 23 points per game over nine matches, winning five of them with rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell at the helm.
Aged 39, Hardegree entered the NFL scene in 2014 as an offensive quality control coach in Denver, where he collaborated with Callahan. He then assumed the role of offensive assistant with the Bears in 2015 before taking on the position of quarterbacks coach for the Dolphins in 2016.
He spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Jets, working alongside Dennard Wilson, who currently serves as the Titans’ defensive coordinator.
In addition to Hardegree’s appointment, there’s a possibility that the Titans will retain a member of Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff. Justin Melo of the Draft Network reported that the Titans have declined several interview requests for running backs coach Justin Outten.
Outten was hired by the Titans last offseason, and despite a struggling offensive line, which was ranked the lowest in the league by Pro Football Network, Derrick Henry managed to rush for over 1,000 yards and earn a Pro Bowl selection. Rookie running back Tyjae Spears also demonstrated the potential to become a future star.
The Titans have officially confirmed the addition of Nick Holz as offensive line coach, while there have been reports of Tyke Tolbert joining as wide receivers coach and Bill Callahan, Brian Callahan’s father, taking charge of the Titans’ offensive line.
