LAS VEGAS – Tee Higgins grew up in Tennessee.
The Bengals receiver hated to see his former offensive coordinator leave Cincinnati – and head to his home state – when Brian Callahan accepted the job as head coach of the Tennessee Titans last month.
On Thursday at Super Bowl LVIII Radio Row, Higgins said he learned a lot from Callahan, and thinks the Titans got a great coach.
"He helped me a lot," Higgins said of Callahan. "He helped me grow as a player since my rookie year. He's a great coach, man, probably one of the best in the league.
"(He has) a great offensive mind. I was able to pick his brain a little bit, and learn new things about the game that I didn't know. He's just a great offensive mind."
Callahan arrived in Tennessee with 14 years of NFL coaching experience, including the past five seasons as offensive coordinator with the Bengals.
In addition to helping develop Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Callahan oversaw a trio of 1,000-yard wide receivers in Cincinnati in Ja'Marr Chase (2021-23), Higgins (2021-22) and Tyler Boyd (2019).
Higgins contributed 1,091 yards in 2021, and 1,029 yards in 2022.
While playing in 12 games in 2023, Higgins caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns.
At the Pro Bowl last week, Chase called Callahan "one of my best friends" while saying "I love him to death."
"I hate to see him leave, but it's nice to see him get a head job," Chase said. "He's a good coach, he loves his players. We always had good conversations. I think he's a great guy. The Titans are fortunate to get him.
"I think it will be fun, seeing him do what he does. It's a new opportunity, and we'll see what kind of playmakers he can (develop) and get the most out of them."
Chase and Higgins were together on Super Bowl LVIII Radio Row on Thursday, doing some promotional work.
When approached, Higgins stopped to talk about Callahan.
"He's going to help (Tennessee) a lot," Higgins said. "He coached Peyton Manning, Joe (Burrow). He coached me and Ja'Marr. He's going into a situation where he can help those guys over there to get it going in Tennessee."
Higgins, who grew up in Oak Ridge, Tenn., and played at Clemson, said he didn't discuss his home state with Callahan much when they were together in Cincinnati.
But he's happy to help Callahan with any tips.
"We didn't really talk much about Tennessee," Higgins said, "but he knows I love it."
