Tennessee Titans Transition Year : Can Will Levis Lead a New Era?

The Tennessee Titans are entering the 2025 NFL season in the midst of a significant transformation. Following years of competitive football under veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the ground-shaking dominance of Derrick Henry, the franchise is resetting its identity. The Tannehill-Henry era is officially over, and now, all eyes are on one question: Can Will Levis lead the Tennessee Titans into a new era of success?

This season marks the beginning of what many are calling a transition year for the Titans — but it’s one filled with cautious optimism. With a new quarterback at the helm, a youthful roster, and a coaching staff aiming to modernize the team’s approach, the Titans are not merely rebuilding. They are repositioning.

In this article, we’ll explore Will Levis’ potential, the coaching vision under Mike Vrabel, roster moves, offensive and defensive strategy shifts, schedule analysis, and what it will take for the Titans to rise once again in the increasingly competitive AFC South.

Will Levis: The Franchise Quarterback Hope

From Kentucky to the NFL Spotlight

Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Will Levis was a polarizing figure during his draft cycle. With a cannon for an arm, elite size at 6’4″ and 230 pounds, and a no-nonsense demeanor, Levis drew comparisons to gunslingers like Josh Allen. However, his college inconsistencies raised doubts about his readiness to lead an NFL franchise.

Levis got his first NFL action in the 2023 season and showed flashes of brilliance, including a sensational four-touchdown debut. His combination of toughness, arm strength, and mobility hinted at big potential — but the team remained committed to letting him develop.

Now, in 2025, it’s Will Levis’ team. The training wheels are off, and Tennessee is handing over the keys with the expectation that Levis can usher in a new quarterback era in Nashville.

Strengths That Define Him

Levis excels in vertical throws and off-platform passes. He can attack all three levels of the field and extend plays with his legs. He’s not afraid to stand tall in the pocket or challenge defenses deep — traits the Titans have lacked since the days of Steve McNair.

Offseason reports say Levis has made big strides in reading defenses, developing quicker footwork, and improving accuracy on intermediate throws. His commitment to film study and leadership during OTAs have impressed both coaching staff and teammates alike.

Areas to Watch

As with any young quarterback, Levis still needs refinement. His tendency to rely on arm strength over timing and touch can lead to turnovers. Maintaining consistency in high-pressure situations will be a key marker of growth.

Still, the Titans believe they’ve found their guy. In a season defined by transition, Will Levis is the centerpiece of Tennessee’s future.

Mike Vrabel’s Role in the Transition

A Proven Leader in a New Landscape

Mike Vrabel remains one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. His record speaks for itself — playoff appearances, division titles, and the development of a tough, disciplined football culture in Nashville. However, the Titans’ recent struggles and front office changes signaled the need for a new direction.

Vrabel now faces his most critical coaching challenge yet: developing a young quarterback while redefining the team’s identity. The smashmouth, run-heavy formula that once worked so well is giving way to a more balanced, modern approach to offense and defense.

Vrabel’s experience, particularly on defense, remains invaluable. But how he adapts offensively and empowers his young signal-caller could define his legacy in Tennessee.

New Offensive Vision: Building Around Levis

Coordinator Change Signals New Philosophy

Hiring a new offensive coordinator with a quarterback-friendly approach was a major offseason priority. The Titans brought in Nick Holz, previously with Jacksonville, who is known for creative play design, motion-based schemes, and aggressive passing concepts.

Holz’s arrival signals a philosophical shift. The Titans want to play faster, throw more on early downs, and maximize Levis’ strengths. No longer purely reliant on the run, Tennessee is now aiming to balance explosiveness with efficiency.

DeAndre Hopkins Returns as WR1

Despite the youth movement, the Titans still have veteran star DeAndre Hopkins to anchor the receiving corps. Hopkins posted over 1,000 yards in 2024 and remains one of the most reliable possession receivers in the league. His route precision and ability to win contested catches make him Levis’ top target.

Treylon Burks & Tyler Boyd Add Versatility

Treylon Burks, a former first-round pick, is entering a pivotal year. Injuries have slowed his development, but he remains a big-bodied YAC threat. If healthy, he can stretch the field and create mismatches.

Tyler Boyd, signed in free agency, adds veteran savvy to the slot. Boyd’s hands and route-running skills are tailor-made for quick-game concepts that will help Levis build rhythm.

Tight End and Backfield Reinvention

Rookie tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo showed flashes in 2024 and is expected to have an expanded role. Athletic and explosive, he fits well into the new offensive structure.

In the backfield, Tyjae Spears steps into a larger role following Derrick Henry’s departure. Spears is quicker, shiftier, and a better pass catcher — a running back designed for today’s NFL. He’ll be joined by Tony Pollard, who brings veteran experience and explosiveness in space.

Offensive Line: A Work in Progress

A major storyline entering the 2025 season is the revamped offensive line. Injuries and underperformance plagued the unit last year, leading to several offseason additions, including a first-round draft pick at left tackle and two free agent guards.

The coaching staff is optimistic about the new-look line’s ability to protect Levis and open lanes for Spears and Pollard. Continuity and health will be the keys here. If this group gels, it could surprise many.

Defense: Strength in Transition

Jeffery Simmons: The Centerpiece

Jeffery Simmons remains one of the NFL’s best interior defenders. His dominance against both the run and pass makes him the focal point of the Titans’ front seven. In 2024, he posted 9 sacks and consistently drew double-teams.

Simmons is not just a star — he’s a tone-setter and the emotional leader of the defense. As the offense evolves, Simmons ensures the defense maintains its edge.

Harold Landry & Arden Key: Edge Attackers

Harold Landry returned strong from injury in 2024, notching 8.5 sacks and showing his typical bend and speed. Arden Key, signed in free agency, adds depth and versatility, particularly on third downs.

Together, they give Tennessee a solid pass-rushing duo capable of pressuring even elite quarterbacks.

A Youth Movement in the Secondary

Roger McCreary and Kristian Fulton headline a young but talented cornerback group. McCreary in particular is gaining praise for his improved coverage skills and physical play.

At safety, Amani Hooker and Elijah Molden return to provide leadership and experience. The secondary has been inconsistent but shows potential under new defensive backs coach Chris Harris.

Tackling & Turnovers Emphasized

Vrabel has emphasized two key themes in training camp: tackling and takeaways. The Titans ranked in the bottom third of the league in turnovers forced last year, and improving in that area could swing multiple games in 2025.

2025 Schedule Breakdown: Crucial Matchups

The Titans have a challenging but manageable schedule. Some games to watch include:

• Week 2 at Miami Dolphins – Testing Levis against a high-octane offense.
• Week 4 vs. Indianapolis Colts – Division battle with rising QB Anthony Richardson.
• Week 8 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence showdown in a key AFC South game.
• Week 10 at Houston Texans – C.J. Stroud vs. Will Levis: Future of the AFC South?
• Week 14 at Green Bay Packers – Cold-weather, playoff-style environment.

If the Titans can go 3-3 in division games and steal wins in cross-conference matchups, a .500 or better season is within reach.

Playoff Hopes or Patient Progress?

Expectations Should Be Realistic

This is a transition year, and with a first-year starting quarterback, growing pains are expected. The Titans aren’t being picked by many as playoff locks, and that’s okay. What matters is progress — from Levis, from the offensive line, and from the young defense.

Best-Case Scenario

In a best-case outcome, Levis proves he’s the guy, the offensive line holds up, and the defense returns to top-10 form. That would give the Titans 9-10 wins and a possible wildcard berth.

Worst-Case Scenario

If injuries mount and Levis struggles to adapt, the Titans could find themselves drafting in the top 10 again in 2026. But even in that case, the reps and experience would be valuable for long-term development.

Trusting the Process

The 2025 season is not about instant gratification. It’s about planting the seeds for the future. The Tennessee Titans are transitioning from an old identity centered around power running and veteran leadership to a new brand of football built on speed, youth, and quarterback potential.

Will Levis is the symbol of that transition.

He may not be perfect. He may face setbacks. But with the tools he possesses and the commitment the Titans are making to him, there’s a real opportunity for something special to be built in Nashville.

Titans fans need patience — but also excitement. Because a new era has begun. And Will Levis is ready to