Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel hired Shane Bowen as his outside linebackers coach in 2018. Bowen remained in that role through the conclusion of 2020, before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2021. It was an unpopular decision, given the state of the Titans' 2020 defense (fifth-most yards allowed), which he had been partially responsible for as the play caller.
Vrabel believed in Bowen, and to their credit, the defense improved in 2021 following personnel upgrades. Bowen remained alongside Vrabel through 2023. Vrabel and his entire staff were fired following a second consecutive losing season.