NFL Rumors: Bengals' Callahan 'a Hot HC Candidate'; Eyed by Falcons, Panthers, Titans

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is a "emerging as hot head coaching candidate," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday.

The Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons each plan to hold a second interview with Callahan this week, per Pelissero. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Callahan will meet with the Titans on Monday.

He has also been interviewed by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Having worked with the Bengals offense since 2019, Callahan is currently the longest-tenured offensive coordinator in the NFL, per ESPN's Field Yates.

Callahan does not call plays in Cincinnati, with that job going to Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, NBC Sports' Myles Simmons noted.

Under his direction, however, the Bengals have become of the best offenses in the NFL in recent years.

The Bengals in 2022 ranked top-10 in the NFL in several major offensive categories, including seventh with 26.1 points per game, fifth with 265.0 passing yards and eight with 360.5 total yards per game.

In 2023, despite multiple injuries to starting quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals managed to go 9-8 and very nearly make the playoffs behind backup Jake Browning.

Taylor said earlier this week that Callahan not calling plays does not mean he was not involved in that offensive effort.

"He coordinates everything having to do with it," Taylor said, per ESPN's Ben Baby. "He establishes the whole structure of our offense. On game day, he and I are in constant communication. That is calling plays. That is establishing an offense. He has helped develop every position we have. He's invaluable."

Callahan has been working in the NFL for 14 seasons, including six assisting with the Denver Broncos' offense and three as a quarterback coach for the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders.

That resume is a plus for teams looking for help on offense from their next head coach. Panthers ranked last in the NFL with 265.3 total yards per game in 2023, and the Titans weren't much better at 289.

The Falcons ended the season ranked in the middle of the pack with 334.3 yards per game, a disappointing result for a team armed with what was expected to be franchise's best set of playmakers in years.

If Callahan leaves, the Bengals could turn to an in-house OC candidate in quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher.

That's not a guaranteed answer, however. The New Orleans Saints are interested in interviewing Pitcher for their own offensive coordinator position, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.

All of Callahan's initial interviews were conducted virtually, according to NFL rules. Teams are allowed to begin in-person interviews Monday.