Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis felt something was off during OTAs last month, so he approached his new coach, Brian Callahan, to discuss it. Levis realized he was moving his feet too much on play-action passes and wanted to be more stationary. Levis, who is meticulous about his mechanics, constantly seeks to understand how they impact his performance, both positively and negatively.
Offensive coordinator Nick Holz noted, “I’m not sure I’ve ever been around a guy who’s so in touch with all of his mechanical things.”
Reflecting on his rookie season, Levis remembered disliking how his throws felt at times. “Quarterbacks are weirdos,” Levis said at minicamp. “We’re always tweaking something. The ball wasn’t coming out the way I wanted, so I started looking at potential causes.”
Levis, Callahan, Holz, and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree have jointly decided to make adjustments. Levis’ personal coach, Rob Williams of QB Motion, will also join the effort this summer.
After analyzing Levis’ game film, they identified areas to improve and focused on these changes through spring and summer. One key area is Levis’ base, which is crucial for timing and quick releases. Callahan explained that they emphasize disciplined footwork and a shorter first step before the throw. This, combined with Levis’ natural quick release, should help him stay on time within Callahan’s system.
Callahan’s scheme, influenced by quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, and Joe Burrow, provides Levis with visual examples of playing with a strong base.
On the field, Hardigree worked closely with Levis during OTAs and minicamp, using drills to tie his lower body movements to play timing. “Certain routes require specific concepts, so we’re practicing that,” Hardigree said.
The adjustments showed some success, such as Levis connecting with receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for two touchdowns in the final OTA practice. However, there is still room for improvement, as Levis was late on some deep passes during minicamp.
Callahan praised Levis’ coachability, noting his dedication to implementing suggestions. The coaching staff also encourages Levis to contribute his own ideas, demonstrating his awareness of his mechanics. Hardigree added, “If a throw isn’t right, he provides immediate feedback.”
Levis attributes much of his mechanical awareness to Williams, who helped him transition from an arm thrower to a full-body passer. Williams emphasizes footwork to improve accuracy and power through “rotary mechanics.”
At a passing camp in Nashville, Williams worked with a group of quarterbacks, including Levis, focusing on establishing a strong base. They spent the first session without footballs, concentrating on foot-to-hip alignment before progressing to throws.
Callahan acknowledges the importance of Levis having a personal coach, provided they align with the Titans’ goals. Williams devises efficient methods to achieve these goals based on kinesiology, such as shortening steps for better weight transfer and quicker throws.
Williams plans to spend time in Nashville with Levis, and they will continue to work together remotely. Levis resumed training with Williams after a family break and a retreat with his receivers in Cabo San Lucas.
In his first year, Levis recorded 1,808 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions in nine games. Both the Titans and Levis understand that their future success depends on his improvement. Williams aims to make Levis’ steps shorter but more efficient.