Titans Coach Brian Callahan: 'Derrick Henry Fits In Every Offense'
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan didn't mince words when asked if he'd want the team to re-sign running back Derrick Henry.
Callahan appeared on 102.5 in Nashville less than 24 hours after getting introduced as the team's head coach to replace Mike Vrabel. Callahan confirmed the door is open to Henry if the Alabama alum wants to stay with the Titans.
"A player like Derrick Henry fits in every offense," Callahan said. "He's been a remarkable player. He's been the face of the franchise here for a long time. When you think of the Tennessee Titans, you think of Derrick Henry. ... If he's open to a return, that fits for us. I'm never going to say no to good players."
On Jan. 9, after the announcement of Mike Vrabel's firing, newly promoted executive vice president/general manager Ran Carthon commented on Derrick Henry's free agency with words that echo Callahan's.
"Yeah, that'll be the new head coach and I having a conversation," Carthon said. "I had a really good conversation with Derrick yesterday on the way out. We had our conversation, which I'll keep between he and I, but the door's never closed."
Henry earned an Offensive Player of the Year award, four Pro Bowl selections, and one first-team All-Pro honor in eight seasons with the Titans. Despite expressing dissatisfaction with his performance in the Titans' 6-11 season this year, Henry still accumulated 1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 17 games. He also caught 28 passes for 214 yards.
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said she wanted the organization to be more collaborative when signing players and making important decisions. Strunk also said that Carthon and Callahan had a lot of similar thoughts in player evaluations.
From the public statements made by Carthon and Callahan, there appears to be a chance that Henry could be back in a Titans jersey next season. Or, at the very least, there needs to be a conversation among all parties.
"There's no offensive system that would say we don't want Derrick Henry," Callahan said Friday. "We believe there's gas left in the tank. ... I would never say no to a player like that."
Henry is one of 24 Titans free agents and made $12.5 million last season in the final season of a four-year, $50-million deal.
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