Fans might think Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan has the future locked down with Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. But instead of feeling relief, Callahan is facing even more pressure. That's because there's a curse following him, and if he wants to keep his job, he's got to break it. To do that, Callahan and Ward needs to follow the blueprint laid out by Jayden Daniels last season, not Caleb Williams.
Let's get to it.
In recent history, coaches who were tasked with developing No. 1 draft picks were unsuccessful. And that's the daunting challenge Callahan faces.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Turron Davenport highlighted that Frank Reich, who was responsible for developing the 2023 No. 1 pick, Bryce Young, was fired after 11 games with the Carolina Panthers.
Matt Eberflus had a similar experience. Fowler and Davenport wrote, "One season later, third-year coach Matt Eberflus lasted 12 games with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, the player with the 'generational talent' label who was supposed to be the antidote to decades of quarterback maladies in Chicago."
The 2025 season is Callahan's turn. He must avoid becoming the third straight coach fired while developing a No. 1 pick. The pressure is even greater given that his Titans finished with a league-worst 3-14 record last season.
Winning with a rookie quarterback has long been one of the NFL's toughest feats. That's why the Titans' coach needs to follow the example set by Jayden Daniels last season.
Daniels was one of the bigger bright spots last season. The 2024 draft's second pick helped the Commanders turn things around as a rookie starter.
Fowler and Davenport noted why it's a big challenge.
"Per ESPN Research, teams that start rookie QBs are a combined 431-655-2 (.397) in the NFL's 32-team era (since 2002)."
Cam Ward has the potential to succeed, but it's up to Brian Callahan to develop the rookie and surround him with the right pieces to help him thrive.