The Los Angeles Chargers, like any team, are canvasing a wide array of candidates to fill their vacant offensive coordinator position.
Just because a team interviews a particular coach or assistant does not mean they are seriously considering hiring them. Nonetheless, the Chargers' decision to interview former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan should leave fans on their toes.
Callahan's track record with the Titans doesn't do him any favors. The Chargers desperately need an innovative and adaptable offensive mind, and, insofar as Callahan does not represent that, his hiring would be absolutely disastrous for Los Angeles.
Thankfully, it seems as though Callahan may soon be off the table entirely, with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated linking him to the Atlanta Falcons.
Kevin Stefanski could save the Chargers from a disastrous fate
With how many coaches and openings there are in this cycle, it has often felt like a whirlwind trying to keep track of all of the rumors and connections being made between candidates and organizations.
According to Breer, however, the Falcons' hiring of Stefanski could cause them to take a good, hard look at bringing in Callahan as their offensive coordinator:
As for staffing, there's a very good chance Stefanski keeps Jeff Ulbrich on as defensive coordinator. And expect ex-Titans coach Brian Callahan to be in the running to be Stefanski's offensive coordinator. https://t.co/EoS4hcY2fj
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 18, 2026
With an offensive arsenal containing Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, there few offensive coordinator openings this offseason more appealing than Atlanta. Callahan spent six years as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, with middling success, prior to his move to Tennessee.
Stefanski also employed Callahan's father, Brian, as an offensive line coach.
Breer connected the Chargers as a possible Callahan landing spot earlier this week, but his resume as a head coach should immediately disqualify him. In less than two seasons with the Titans, the team went just 4-19, finishing 26th and 31st in total offense in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
In a market where there are a number of favorable candidates, Los Angeles cannot afford to settle for someone without either a history of success or an exciting new schematic outlook for the Justin-Herbert led offense. Even just serious consideration of Callahan as a candidate would be absolutely unacceptable.
Breer also connected the Chargers with Brian Daboll, Davis Webb, and even Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. Any of these options would be easily preferable.
Yet Harbaugh is clearly keeping an open mind in his search for a new offensive coordinator, and, as long as Callahan remains available, there is always the chance the Chargers are tempted down the wrong path.
Hopefully the Falcons will make it a moot point as soon as possible.