Titans new coach is earning players' respect before even holding a single practice

According to Titans general manager Ran Carthon, buying into new offensive line coach Bill Callahan had a lot to do with it. 

Callahan, who brought 46 years of coaching to Tennessee, is well-known for creating miracles on the offensive line. 

"If you look at where coach Callahan took Ethan Pocic's game in Cleveland and how he grew and how he was able to get a long-term deal and restart his career," Carthon explained during a recent appearance on 104-5 The Zone. "We don't get Loyld Cushenberry if he doesn't have the relationship with Ethan Pocic who can vouch for what coach Callahan is capable of doing to your game." 

After leaving Seattle, Pocic reached career highs under Callahan and his overall PFF grade skyrocketed from 67.3 with the Seahawks to 78.9 in his first season with the Browns. He remained steady in 2023 and finished with an overall grade of 71.4 

"It's proven that if you just buy into the techniques and what he's teaching, he can help grow your game," Carthon said. 

Thanks to what Callahan's done on paper and Pocic's endorsement of his former coach, Cushenberry didn't hesitate to sign with Tennessee. 

"Biggest factor, Bill Callahan," Cushenberry said during his introductory press conference. "His resume speaks for itself coaching. A lot of great guys. Hear a lot of great things about them. I think it's a great opportunity for me to grow my game and take that next step."