The Tennessee Titans are without a head coach following Brian Callahan’s dismissal. Mike McCoy is taking over on an interim basis. What sounds like a stopgap solution could well prove beneficial: the “coach effect” also exists in the NFL.

The Tennessee Titans have fired head coach Brian Callahan after six games and appointed Mike McCoy as interim coach. He was previously assistant coach on offense.

In Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, the so-called “coach effect” – a boost in performance and new player motivation after a coaching change – could well play a role.

NFL: Interim head coaches with a decent record

According to figures from NFL Research, since 2000, interim coaches have a record of 20 wins and 30 losses in their first game, and since 2018, the ratio is 9-9. Considering that teams that have to change coaches tend to be among the weaker ones, this is a solid record.

However, against teams with a positive record, such franchises have a 6-17 record with an average point deficit of 7.9, which is more than a touchdown plus extra point. The Patriots are currently 4-2. McCoy, who coached the Los Angeles Chargers from 2013 to 2016, has a 27-37 record as head coach.

The Titans (1-5) face a strong Patriots team that leads the AFC East and is still undefeated on the road. Quarterback Drake Maye is one of the best quarterbacks in the league this season.