The early candidates for the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator vacancy could signify that the team is ready to evolve their offensive philosophy.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday morning that the Titans have requested permission to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, as well as Chiefs' quarterbacks coach/former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy for the offensive coordinator job in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Titans have requested permission to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and senior assistant/QBs coach Matt Nagy for their open OC job, per sources.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 15, 2023

Bieniemy is reportedly more focused on potential head coaching opportunities, while Nagy is yet to confirm the request. But even if neither coach winds up taking an interview with Tennessee, the team's interest alone is a big positive for Titans fans.

The Titans need not just a change in staff, but a change in philosophy. Derrick Henry is a generational talent at running back, but the lack of down field weapons and explosive passing game really put the Titans' offense in a box in 2022.

A predictable offensive scheme that lacked creativity or balance under Todd Downing did not help, but perhaps Tennessee's early OC interests point to the organization shifting in philosophy.

Since 2016, the Chiefs lead the NFL in pass attempts on 1st downs in one-score games, throwing on 54% of those snaps. #Titans are dead last over that span at just 40% passes.

Interest in Nagy & Bienemy at OC (OCs in KC since '16) could signal TEN is ready for a change in scheme.

— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) January 15, 2023

Nagy and Bienemy have interchanged at OC in Kansas City since 2016. That was also Henry's rookie season in Tennessee.

Since that 2016 season, the Chiefs are leading the NFL in pass attempts on first downs in one-score games, throwing on 54 percent of those snaps. The Titans are dead last in that span at just 40 percent passes (stats via SharpFootballStats.com).

Interestingly enough, the Chiefs have a successful pass rate of 55 percent on those throws, while Tennessee is at a comparable 53 percent. When it comes those neutral situations, the Titans are not far off, but they have always relied too heavily on their run game.

If Bieniemy and Nagy from Kansas City are the first names from outside the organization being linked to the job, it could mean this will be the type of candidate Mike Vrabel and the Titans are looking for: An offensive mind that has a history of success in the passing game and experience scheming to play through the quarterback and receivers.

Bringing balance to the Titans' offense and taking some workload away from Henry would extend his prime and open up more explosive offensive options for the Titans.

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