NASHVILLE – Brian Daboll is a former head coach and a long-time offensive coordinator in the NFL.
Before he agreed to join Robert Saleh's staff in Tennessee, Daboll had options.
Ultimately, he thought his best landing spot was with the Titans.
On Wednesday, during a press conference at Saint Thomas Sports Park, Daboll explained why.
"I'll just say it felt like the right fit, with the right people," Daboll said. "I obviously have a relationship with Robert, dating back to the New York days. His vision of what he wants to do and how he wants to do it, Mike (Borgonzi) and the vision he has, and then ultimately Cam (Ward) was a big factor. I have a lot of confidence in this young man … and I look forward to working with him."
Daboll, who served four seasons as head coach of the New York Giants, has served eight seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator with the Browns (2009-10), Dolphins (2011), Chiefs (2012) and Bills (2018-21).
Daboll said he likes Ward's ability as a quarterback.
Ward finished his rookie season in 2025 completing 323-of-540 passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions, with a passer rating of 80.3. Ward also rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
"He's a young, athletic quarterback who has accuracy," Daboll said of Ward. "He can make plays on the move, and do a great job when if the play doesn't look great, all of a sudden it looks great because of his ability. He's smart, and I look forward to working with him, and building this thing together, along with the other pieces we have in play, and the pieces we'll go get.
"… I think (Cam) can do a lot of things, but he's going to have to put the work in, which I know he will. And, we'll do stuff that he's comfortable with."
Daboll also likes Ward's personality, after spending time with him during the pre-draft process a year ago.
"I think he has some moxie to him," Daboll said of Ward. "He's tough. He holds himself to a high standard, which is important for that position."
Daboll, entering his 30th year in coaching and his 26th year in the NFL, holds the distinction of being the first coach to receive both the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Award (2022, Giants) and the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year Award (2020, Buffalo).
He contributed to five Super Bowl championships during his time with the Patriots under head coach Bill Belichick (2000-06, 2013-16) and won a national championship on Nick Saban's staff at the University of Alabama (2017).
In Tennessee, his mission is to change the fortunes of the Titans offense, and make the team better.
And, he made it clear he's happy to be here.
"I am very happy to be where I'm at, and to be a part of this football team as the offensive coordinator," Daboll said. "This is the place I want to be. And I look forward to working with this young nucleus, working with Robert, and doing the best job I can do as the offensive coordinator.
"… I think the most important thing is to be where your feet are at, and it's here in Tennessee. Titan Up, as they say. I am excited to be here. I am looking forward to it."
