Stunning Titans coaching candidate could emerge from the shadows as a frontrunner
The Tennessee Titans remain in the preliminary stages of their head coaching search. The Nashville-based club decided to dismiss Brian Callahan after he amassed a pathetic 4-19 record in 23 outings. Mike McCoy was appointed as the interim leader and will remain in that role for the duration of the 2025 campaign.
General manager Mike Borgonzi and president Chad Brinker will oversee the search once the offseason arrives. Thus far, a number of rumored candidates have been floated by mainstream and local media. Mike McCarthy, Arthur Smith, Matt Nagy, Mike Kafka, and Robert Saleh could be among the shortlisted names.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini recently floated an unexpected name. Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is allegedly considering a move to the NFL. Russini reported that Sarkisian would be interested in professional openings, going as far to mention the Titans by name.
Report: Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian could be interested in Titans' head coaching vacancy
Sarkisian has been in charge of Texas since 2021. With vast financial resources at his disposal, Sarkisian has returned the program to national prominence. After winning five and eight games respectively in his first two campaigns, the Longhorns have won double-digit games in consecutive seasons.
Sarkisian's Longhorns have failed to win a National Championship, however, falling short of the ultimate goal. This season, the No. 20 ranked program are 6-2 while turning in an underwhelming campaign thus far. The playoffs look like a long shot, with defeats to Florida and Ohio State, and uninspiring wins over Mississippi State and Kentucky.
Sarkisian possesses a brilliant offensive mind. Despite Arch Manning's shortcomings this year, some may believe he's an ideal candidate to help develop Titans quarterback Cam Ward. Sarkisian's NFL experience is limited to coordinator and position coach duties though, and his appointment would represent a massive risk for a Titans franchise fresh off a disastrous head coaching hire and firing.
Sarkisian may be interested in the Titans, but the feeling shouldn't be mutual.
Steelers’ DK Metcalf ripped for blowing game with Quay Walker eye poke
The Pittsburgh Steelers were not able to help Aaron Rodgers get a win against his former team, losing to the Green Bay Packers 35-25. The Steelers had control of the game in the first half, but it was the second half that doomed them. The Packers scored 28 points in the half, with 21 of them coming in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Steelers only had nine points in the second half.
The Steelers were on their way to scoring in the fourth quarter to cut their deficit, but DK Metcalf got into an altercation with Quay Walker, where he got in his face and poked his eye. That gave the Steelers a 15-yard penalty and hurt them as they tried to drive the field.
Social media made sure to let Metcalf know he didn’t make the best decision with his actions.
“Cost them the game, from 3rd and 2 to 3rd and 17 packers scored right after that,” one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“DK really trying to play Mortal Kombat instead of football. Bro went for an Eye Fatality mid-drive. Fifteen yards wasn’t enough they should’ve handed him a controller and told him to sit the next quarter out,” another user wrote.
“Welcome to what Seahawks fans have been dealing with for years! Man is such a hothead, and he doesn’t mind if it affects his team negatively,” a third user wrote.
Steelers looking to regroup after Packers loss
Metcalf’s penalty wasn’t the only thing that cost the Steelers a win on Sunday Night Football, and the entire team knows they have to be better. Cam Heyward mentioned how the team doesn’t have much fight in them right now, and how they need to focus on the game instead of what the referees are calling.
We can’t let penalties or stuff that goes against you affect your heart in the game,” Heyward said via Joe Rutter. “When you’ve got a love affair with this game, there has got to always be a buy-in.”
After being up 20-7 going into halftime, some would think that the Steelers were in the driver’s seat for the game and would continue to pile up the points. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and they have dropped their second game in a row. Things won’t get easier for them as they face the Indianapolis Colts next week, another team has been playing well this season.
