NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Interim Tennessee Titans Coach Mike McCoy spoke to the media for the first time Tuesday and laid out his plan to help the rookie quarterback. Cam Ward. Through six games, Ward is tied for second in the league in turnovers with eight games.
“That’s one thing we need to fix,” McCoy said. “You see what happened the other day in the game where there was some skidding and then the ball ended up in the pocket and things like that we have to clean up and that’s our job as coaches.”
McCoy mentioned some of the previous quarterbacks he worked with, including Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning, Jake Delhomme and Trevor Lawrence. Before joining the Titans, McCoy was the team's defensive backs coach. Jacksonville Jaguars from 2022 to 2024. He said one of the things he did with Lawrence, who was in his second season when they first worked together in Jacksonville, was to use positive reinforcement. That's what he plans to do with Ward.
“It’s going to be the same thing every week,” McCoy said. “You're getting better.” That's what I kept telling Trevor and that's what I'm going to tell Cam.”
McCoy said the coaching staff met Tuesday morning to discuss the game plan as coach Mike Vrabel and the team New England Patriots come to Nashville on Sunday. They focused on highlighting what Ward does best and how it fits with the overall strengths of the offense.
“That will be our number one goal,” McCoy said. “How can we make Cam more efficient and successful?”
McCoy said quarterbacks coach Bo Hardigrade will continue to call the plays, but with more involvement from tight ends coach Luke Stocker and running backs coach Randy Jordan.
The composition of the defense will remain the same. McCoy said he plans to rely on the team's leaders to help set the tone, especially the defensive lineman. Jeffrey Simmons.
“Watching what Jeff does every day, I understand why he goes out there and dominates every game,” McCoy said. “The way you see him at the end of the game, on the touchline, when the attackers are breaking away, no matter the score. I'm only mentioning one guy. We have a lot of guys here who are veteran players and they know what it's like to play this game every day.”
Simmons said the Titans had one of their worst weeks of practice, leading to their 20-10 loss to the team. Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday. When asked about Simmons' comments, McCoy said Simmons stepped up his training last week and demanded a fresh start because he felt the low energy was unacceptable.
“I love it,” McCoy said. “This is a responsibility factor. He wants to win so bad. He is a great example for any player on this football team and says, “If we all play, if we all work as hard every day and go out and play the way he plays on Sundays, great things will happen in this organization.”
