New Titans HC Robert Saleh shares thoughts on Cam Ward
The Tennessee Titans have secured their next head coach after hiring San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
It marks Saleh’s second shot at head coach after his first stint with the New York Jets went sour. During his introductory press conference with the Titans on Thursday, he made it clear he won’t make the same mistake of not calling plays for the defense this time around in Tennessee.
“Calling plays, for me, it’s not necessarily about control, but it’s about connecting with the players,” Saleh said via ESPN. “When you are calling plays, you feel the strain that you’re putting on them with each call. You’re feeling the connection and what each one is going through. To call plays and maintain that connection, that feel for what the players are going through, is very important for my seat. It’s just one of the many things that’ll change throughout my time.”
Saleh’s brief tenure with the Jets had plenty of bumps and bruises, and the defensive playcalling was one of them. However, the biggest priority for the Titans will be to maximize the potential of their young quarterback, Cam Ward.
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Saleh is hopeful that hiring former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator will lead to Ward taking that next leap.
“For Cam, it’s just helping him understand what’s most important in that moment and helping develop a mindset that he doesn’t have to be the hero,” Saleh said. “It’s OK to rely on your teammates.”
Daboll possesses extensive experience working with notable quarterbacks, including Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Josh Allen, and, most recently, Jaxson Dart.
The table is set for Saleh to guide the Titans and put his fingerprints all over the franchise with eyes toward leading them to sustained success.
