Mike McCoy, an NFL veteran of three decades, has joined the Tennessee Titans and is ready to take Will Levis or a prospective rookie quarterback to new heights.

Mike McCoy Joins the Tennessee Titans: A Veteran Coach Ready to Elevate Will Levis and a Future Rookie Quarterback

The Tennessee Titans have made a significant addition to their coaching staff by bringing in NFL coaching veteran Mike McCoy. With over three decades of experience in the league, McCoy is expected to have a profound impact on the team’s quarterback development. As he steps into his new role, he will be tasked with guiding Will Levis and potentially mentoring a rookie quarterback, should the Titans opt to select one in the upcoming NFL Draft. With his extensive knowledge and history of working with quarterbacks, McCoy’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new era for Tennessee’s offense.

Mike McCoy’s Coaching Pedigree

McCoy’s career in the NFL has been defined by his ability to develop quarterbacks and design offenses tailored to their strengths. Having served as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach at various stops, he brings a wealth of knowledge and adaptability to the Titans.

His coaching journey began in the early 2000s, with stops in Carolina, Denver, San Diego, Arizona, and Jacksonville. He is best known for his time as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers from 2013 to 2016, where he played a crucial role in the continued success of Philip Rivers. Under McCoy’s guidance, Rivers flourished, posting impressive passing numbers and leading the Chargers to playoff appearances.

Before his stint with the Chargers, McCoy served as the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, where he showcased his ability to adapt his offensive schemes to different quarterbacks. In 2011, he worked with Tim Tebow and helped the team secure a playoff victory, despite Tebow’s unconventional playing style. The following year, with Peyton Manning at the helm, McCoy adjusted his system to fit one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, further demonstrating his versatility.

McCoy has also worked with younger quarterbacks in more recent years, including Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, serving as a senior assistant in 2022. His experience with both established veterans and developing young passers makes him an ideal candidate to help Will Levis reach his potential and prepare any potential rookie quarterback Tennessee might bring in.

The Titans’ Quarterback Situation

The Titans’ quarterback position has been a subject of much speculation over the last couple of years. After moving on from long-time starter Ryan Tannehill, the team turned to Will Levis, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Levis showed flashes of promise during his rookie season, demonstrating a strong arm and poise in the pocket. However, like most young quarterbacks, he experienced growing pains, struggling with consistency and decision-making at times.

With McCoy joining the staff, Levis has a seasoned mentor who can help refine his mechanics, footwork, and ability to read defenses. McCoy’s history of tailoring offenses to fit his quarterbacks’ strengths suggests that the Titans could build a system that maximizes Levis’ arm talent while minimizing his weaknesses.

Despite their investment in Levis, the Titans may still consider selecting another quarterback in the upcoming draft. If they do, McCoy’s presence will be even more valuable, as he has extensive experience in developing rookies and easing them into the NFL game. His ability to accelerate a young quarterback’s learning curve could be crucial in setting up the Titans’ future for long-term success.

McCoy’s Potential Impact on the Titans’ Offense

The Titans’ offense has long been built around the dominance of Derrick Henry and the running game. However, as Henry’s workload continues to rise and the team looks for a more balanced approach, McCoy’s expertise in passing schemes will be instrumental in reshaping Tennessee’s offensive identity.

One of McCoy’s strengths is designing an offense that gets the most out of his personnel. In San Diego, he helped Rivers thrive by implementing a quick passing attack that played to his quarterback’s strengths. In Denver, he adapted to a run-heavy scheme with Tebow and transitioned to a precision-based, up-tempo system with Manning. His ability to evolve based on the talent at his disposal bodes well for the Titans, who are looking to modernize their offensive approach.

For Levis, this means an offense that could incorporate more spread concepts, quick reads, and deep shots down the field. McCoy has worked with quarterbacks who excel at throwing the ball vertically, and with Levis’ strong arm, this could be an area of focus. If Tennessee drafts a rookie quarterback, McCoy’s adaptability ensures that the playbook can be adjusted to fit their skill set as well.

Development Strategies for Will Levis

While Will Levis possesses all the physical traits of an NFL quarterback—size, arm strength, and mobility—he still needs refinement in several areas. McCoy’s role will be crucial in helping him take the next step in his development.

Improving Decision-Making – One of the biggest challenges for young quarterbacks is reading defenses quickly and making the right decision under pressure. McCoy can help Levis break down film, recognize defensive tendencies, and develop a quicker processing speed.
Refining Footwork and Mechanics – A strong arm can only take a quarterback so far. McCoy will work on Levis’ footwork to ensure he is consistently in the right position to make accurate throws. This includes work on his throwing motion, balance in the pocket, and the ability to reset his feet under pressure.
Building Confidence – Confidence plays a major role in quarterback success. McCoy’s mentorship can instill confidence in Levis by putting him in situations where he can succeed. Simplifying reads and designing high-percentage throws early in games can help build his rhythm and poise.
Adapting the Offense to His Strengths – As McCoy has done with previous quarterbacks, he will likely work with the Titans’ offensive staff to tailor the scheme to what Levis does best. Whether that means more play-action, quicker throws, or RPOs (run-pass options), McCoy’s history suggests he will play to Levis’ strengths.

Preparing for a Potential Rookie Quarterback

If the Titans decide to draft a quarterback, McCoy’s presence will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition to the NFL. Many rookie quarterbacks struggle in their first year, but having an experienced mentor can make a world of difference.

Teaching the Playbook – NFL playbooks are far more complex than college schemes. McCoy will help a rookie quarterback learn protections, route concepts, and audibles in a structured way.
Developing Pro-Level Habits – Young quarterbacks often have to adjust their mechanics, timing, and preparation habits. McCoy can provide hands-on coaching to accelerate this process.
Gradual Introduction to the Game – Not all rookie quarterbacks are ready to start right away. McCoy will help determine whether the rookie is ready to compete with Levis or if a redshirt year would be more beneficial.

The hiring of Mike McCoy by the Tennessee Titans is a strategic move that could have a lasting impact on the team’s quarterback development. With his vast experience working with both established veterans and young passers, McCoy is uniquely positioned to guide Will Levis and any potential rookie quarterback the Titans may draft.

His ability to tailor offenses, refine quarterback mechanics, and accelerate development makes him an invaluable asset to the Titans’ coaching staff. As Tennessee looks to transition from a run-heavy approach to a more balanced offensive attack, McCoy’s influence could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the team’s quarterback position.

With McCoy’s leadership, Titans fans have reason to be optimistic about the future of their team’s passing game. Whether it’s helping Levis make a second-year leap or grooming a new face of the franchise, Mike McCoy’s presence in Tennessee signals an exciting new chapter for the organization.