Brian Callahan‘s voice cracked as he listed the things he liked about his team’s win over the New England Patriots. He noted the solid running game and winning the turnover battle.
It was the sort of boilerplate opening statement NFL coaches make all the time at the start of a press conference. But looking at Callahan’s slightly reddened eyes and hearing him choke up a bit. It appeared that the Tennessee Titans head coach.
The emotions became plain to see after Callahan took his first question.
“Just how badly did you guys need this today?” a reporter asked.
“I mean, look at me,” Callahan said as he choked up. “I needed it bad, man. It was — yeah, I needed it.”
It‘s been a tough start for Callahan and the Titans this year. Tennessee started the day 1-6 and needed to fend off a miracle from Drake Maye and the Patriots to improve to two wins on the year.
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Callahan took over a rebuilding Titans team this year. From the way his players talk about him, it‘s clear that Callahan is invested in turning this team around. That‘s why quarterback Mason Rudolph didn’t sound too surprised to hear that his coach got choked up.
“He puts his heart and soul in this. Everything‘s a first time for him. I can only imagine what he’s gotta juggle with calling plays and doing and being present for the defense, situational on both sides of the ball,” Rudolph said.
“I think he needs to have a cold one tonight to enjoy himself, take the edge off. … But it did mean more,” Callahan added.
The Titans were in control toward the end of regulation. However, Drake Maye made it a dramatic finish, throwing a miracle touchdown as time expired in the fourth quarter.
However, the Titans responded to the Patriots tying the game with a go-ahead field goal from Nick Folk. New England failed to respond, as Maye threw an interception that ended the game.
