ESPN’s Adam Schefter had indicated the hiring was likely unless another opportunity opened, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz confirms the move is complete. The tilt toward Daboll followed Buffalo’s decision to promote Joe Brady to head coach, effectively closing the window on any Bills OC stay and clearing the path to Tennessee.
Daboll, 49, brings extensive quarterback development experience, most notably helping Josh Allen evolve from a raw prospect to an MVP-caliber passer during his four seasons with Buffalo. He previously coached the Giants in 2022, earning NFL Coach of the Year honors after a playoff appearance in his first year, before the Giants fired him midseason in 2025.
The Titans went 3-14 in 2025, averaging 16.7 points per game—a pace that underscored the need for improved offensive play. Ward, Tennessee’s rookie quarterback, completed 323 of 540 passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions, finishing strong in the season’s final stretch as the team adjusted midyear.
Daboll’s connection to Tennessee runs beyond this coordinator role. He has a long-standing relationship with Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi from their Kansas City days in 2012, and he reportedly told Saleh he would join as OC if no head coaching opportunity materialized after interviewing for Tennessee’s vacancy.
The hire is viewed as a strategic move to stabilize an offense, with Daboll bringing fifth-stint experience as an NFL offensive coordinator and a track record of quarterback development. Tennessee is entering a new stadium era in 2027 and sits with considerable cap space, making the 2026 season the first step toward returning to playoff contention in the AFC South.
