PHOENIX – Titans running back Derrick Henry has witnessed a lot of changes since season's end.
The team has a new general manager, a new offensive coordinator, and Henry will soon have a new position coach.
More changes are coming.
Henry, speaking on Thursday from the Phoenix Convention Center during Super Bowl LVII, said he's ready to embrace the newness, and everything that comes with it.
Just this week, Titans coach Mike Vrabel elevated Tim Kelly to offensive coordinator, a move Henry said he's on board with. Kelly, who served as Passing Game Coordinator for the Titans in 2022, previously worked as OC with the Texans.
"I love Tim," said Henry, in town because of his partnership with Visa in providing equipment for the Boys and Girls Club. "I feel like Tim has a bright mind. Going up against him when he was with the Texans, I always felt like he had a great game plan against us. Watching the Texans throughout the years when he was the OC, he always did a great job with DeShaun (Watson) and the guys that he had. So, I am excited to have Tim as the OC. He's a great dude, so it's going to be fun."
Henry said he interacted a lot with Kelly last year, when he worked alongside then offensive coordinator Todd Downing, who was not retained.
With a smile, Henry saw a side of Kelly he didn't necessarily expect when he first came aboard.
"I always told him, him being on the offensive sideline with the Texans and having that big beard, he looked mean like he didn't talk much," Henry said of Kelly. "But actually, being on staff and being around him a lot, he's a great guy and has a great personality. We had a good relationship throughout the season and joking and getting to know one another, so I am excited to have him aboard as OC."
Kelly's transition to OC won't be the only change on the offensive coaching staff.
Another hit close to home when Vrabel announced Tony Dews will coach tight ends in 2023 after spending the past five years as running backs coach.
Henry believes it's a good move for Dews, and said he'll adapt to who Vrabel hires to replace him.
"I was excited for Tony," Henry said. "He keeps moving up and keeps thriving. He wants to be a head coach one day and I think he has all the tools to do that. So, I think this is the next step toward trying to do that and accomplish his ultimate goal.
"I am excited to see who the next running backs coach is and come in and get acclimated to our culture and how we want to play. … I see Tony as family, and I am excited for him and his opportunity."
Following a 7-10 season, Henry knows changes are coming to the roster for 2023.
New Titans GM Ran Carthon and Vrabel have some tough decisions to make in the coming months.
Henry said he's heard a lot of good things about Carthon, and he's confident he's the right man for the job. Carthon joined the Titans after most recently serving as director of player personnel for the 49ers.
"I am excited to have Ran on board," Henry said. "He comes from a great organization that's had a lot of success the last couple of years. Hopefully he can bring good things to the Titans organization, and we can get some good things started.
"I am looking forward to seeing what the team looks like in the future."
Henry said he's talked with Carthon via phone, but it was more of a get-to-know-you session.
With a smile, Henry said he saw where Carthon had graded his some of his outfits on social media not long after landing the job. He's looking forward to critiquing Carthon's wardrobe.
"Just getting to know each other, just talking and introducing each other," Henry said of Carthon. "I told him I saw how he rated my outfits for the season, and I told him I'd have to get on him when I see his. It was pretty funny, (but) a little harsh. I didn't get a 10 of 10, so I was like, oh man, I guess I have to do better."
