The Jacksonville Jaguars hit it out of the ballpark when they hired Liam Coen in 2025. In his first season at the helm, they went 13-3 and won the AFC South. On top of that, the Jags now have an identity, something they lacked in the past. Now, they're ready to face the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the rival Tennessee Titans have begun a search of their own to find a replacement for Brian Callahan.
Although the Titans' search isn't off to a great start, there's a chance that they could nail it. They're currently targeting retreats like Arthur Smith, Jason Garrett, and Matt Nagy, but they could make a run for established coaches such as John Harbaugh or even Mike McDaniel, who just became available after being ousted by the Miami Dolphins.
If Tennessee somehow ends up with Harbaugh or McDaniels, Jacksonville could be in trouble.
The Titans will be a threat to the Jaguars if they hire Mike McDaniel
Eight NFL teams have a vacancy at head coach, and three more (the Green Bay Packers, the Buffalo Bills, and the Pittsburgh Steelers) could have an opening if they're eliminated from the playoffs early. This will lead to a rush for Mike McDaniel and John Harbaugh, and that's without taking into account clubs that want to make a chance at coordinator.
Simply put, McDaniel will be a hot commodity in this hiring cycle, and he'll get to choose where he lands. The same is probably true for Harbaugh, but if either one ends up with the Titans, the AFC South could immediately turn into one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
Both Jacksonville and the Houston Texans made the playoffs in 2025. The Indianapolis Colts sat at the top of the division before injuries derailed their season. Now, imagine if Tennessee lands a coach who can get the most out of the promising Cam Ward? Under McDaniel, the first overall pick in 2025 could reach his potential and become a threat.
Granted, the Tennessee defensive backfield and the offensive line need upgrades, but the front office could take care of that in one offseason. So even if the Titans aren't competing for the division title in Year 1, they would be more competitive right off the bat.
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The Jaguars will be ready regardless of who's the Titans head coach
Of course, there's a higher chance the Titans will end with someone like Jason Garrett than Mike McDaniel. That said, the Jaguars cannot take lightly any of the moves their division foes make. For instance, the Texans didn't address the offensive line and started 0-3. However, they managed to turn the corner. Tennessee could undergo a turnaround. This, in turn, would make it more difficult to repeat as AFC South champions next year.
Having said that, the Jags have enough talent to go against the Colts, Houston, and the Titans regardless of how good they are. With Liam Coen at the helm and Trevor Lawrence behind center, they're set for years.
Ultimately, the Jaguars can't control who the Titans end up hiring. But regardless of who gets the job, they'll be ready.