NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans have finally hired an offensive coordinator. Passing game coordinator Tim Kelly was promoted internally to his new role along with several other announced changes to Tennessee's coaching staff.

It will be coach Mike Vrabel's most scrutinized decision to date.

New additions to the Titans staff are Charles London, as Pass Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks; Chris Harris, as Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Cornerbacks; Lori Locust and Justin Hamilton, as Defensive Quality Control. Along with Kelly, a handful of coaches retained by Vrabel will see their 2023 roles changed.

Jason Houghtaling was named as the team's new Offensive Line Coach, former Tight Ends Coach Luke Steckel will be a Run Game Analyst, and Pat O’Hara, former Quarterback Coach, will be the Pass Game Analyst. Running Backs Coach Tony Dews will move into Steckel's previous role.

Tennessee will still need to hire a Running Backs Coach.

Were the Titans right to stay internal?

It certainly is not the first time Vrabel has done so.

In fact, other than Matt LaFleur and Dean Pees joining Vrabel's first Titans staff, every coordinator hire the head coach has made has come from within. Kelly's predecessors, Arthur Smith and Todd Downing, were both tight ends coaches in Tennessee before being promoted to play-calling duties.

Downing was fired at the conclusion of the 2022 season after the Titans offense completely sputtered and contributed to seven consecutive losses to end their year.

"It's the right fit for us at this time," said Vrabel. "It's the perfect fit. Met with some really, really good candidates. One that we were able to bring on here with our staff to help assist and support Tim (Kelly) and our offense and coach our quarterbacks and our passing game coordinator."

Prior to joining the Titans, Kelly spent eight seasons with the Houston Texans in as the club's Offensive Coordinator (2019-21), Tight Ends Coach (2017-18), Assistant Offensive Line Coach (2016) and Offensive Quality Control Coach (2014-16).

Kelly is a tough sell

Vrabel stated that the value he places on institutional knowledge stems from the fact the he thinks that Tennessee "hires good people."

On the whole, he is correct. LaFleur and Smith are both NFL head coaches. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen could well be in line for a role like that should the Titans excel again on defense.

"I think what Tim, ultimately, was able to do was be able provide some familiarity and some carry-over to what we were doing," Vrabel said. "Because I don't think that everything is broken. I don't. I don't believe that. But also to to add some things that could really help us, and take advantage of some opportunities."

Kelly obviously called games against the Titans during his time in Houston. Vrabel cited how much he appreciated Kelly's "feel for the game," which was lacking under Downing. With Kelly on the Texans staff, the club won four AFC South titles.

It is fair to note, however, that the only time Houston did so with Kelly calling the plays was in 2019. The Texans offense finished no better than 19th in points per game under Kelly and no better than 13th in total offensive yardage.

He will have exceed both of those marks to make things more competitive in Tennessee.

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.