In Nashville, Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan has been honored as a recipient of the 2024 Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA). The announcement of Callahan’s recognition, alongside Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, marked the 24th and 25th individuals to receive the Dr. Z Award since its establishment by the PFWA in 2014.
The award, named after the esteemed NFL journalist Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman, is presented in recognition of lifetime achievements as an assistant coach in the NFL. Zimmerman, who served as Sports Illustrated’s lead pro football writer for 29 years, is commemorated through this prestigious accolade. With a wealth of experience, Callahan joined the Titans as their offensive line coach earlier in the current season. Throughout his illustrious career spanning 25 seasons in the NFL and 46 seasons in total, Callahan has dedicated 22 seasons to coaching the offensive line and seven seasons as an offensive coordinator.
Noteworthy is his guidance of 14 offensive linemen who collectively earned 35 Pro Bowl selections. Prior to his tenure with the Titans, where he is working alongside his son Brian, Callahan held coaching positions with various NFL teams, including Cleveland (2020-23), Washington (2015-19), Dallas (2012-14), New York Jets (2008-2011), Oakland (1998-2003, including a stint as head coach from 2002-2003), and he commenced his NFL coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles (1995-1997).
His coaching journey also included a head coaching role at Nebraska (2004-2007) as part of his extensive 15-season collegiate coaching background, in addition to two seasons coaching at the high school level. The esteemed individuals previously honored with the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award for their accomplishments as assistant coaches in the NFL include renowned figures such as Jim Johnson, Dick LeBeau, and Wade Phillips, among others across the years since the inception of the award.
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