The Tennessee Titans and Mike Mularkey “mutually agreed” to part ways yesterday, just a few hours after general manager Jon Robinson said they were going to extend him. Yeah, shit show, huh? So, now, folks – we have a full-blown search for the Titans coaching job.
Mularkey did a fine job during his tenure here – he changed the culture, held players accountable, and the team won because of it. The problem? The offense took a huge step back this year, and Mularkey outright denied it in a public press conference.
This seems like it was Robinson identifying Mularkey’s ceiling and Mularkey being unwilling to change to get past it.
Paul Kuharsky conducted a poll that nearly 7,000 people responded to, 92% of whom said the move was a good one:
Your feelings on #Titans move:
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) January 15, 2018
Immediately, Josh McDaniels’ name came to mind, given the New England connection with Robinson. But, it looks like he’s going to be the guy in Indianapolis. Let’s take a look at the names being floated around right now.
Mike Vrabel
The Houston Texans defensive coordinator’s name was the first one that popped up after McDaniels. He’s set to interview with the team today (Wednesday 1/16), and appears to be on the fast track to land a head coaching gig in the NFL within the next couple of seasons.
As for his fit with the Titans, I wasn’t initially too keen on the idea. You figure the Titans want an offensive minded guy who can develop Marcus Mariota. But, the bottom line is that if you hire a good coach, you hire a good coach.
His Texans defenses have been pretty good, and of course, the offense would depend on who he brings in as coordinator. I’ve changed my mind – the Titans could certainly do a lot worse.
Steve Wilks
Wilks has an interview lined up with the Titans. That interview would satisfy the NFL’s Rooney Rule, but bringing in Wilks would be much more than just checking that box. The Panthers defense has been stellar, and if you believe that he can bring John DeFilippo with him, then that’s a hell of a hire.
Matt LaFleur
The Rams offensive coordinator is scheduled for an interview tomorrow (Thursday 1/17). Everyone’s looking for the next Sean McVay now, so why not look at the guy who coordinates McVay’s offense!? The problem, for me, is that he didn’t actually call the plays. And, he’s a rather young, inexperienced coach. I certainly don’t think Jon Robinson will be afraid to take a risk, but I’d have my reservations.
Frank Reich
Terry McCormick reported the Eagles offensive coordinator was a potential candidate, but Reich has not been scheduled for an interview as of this writing. Like LaFleur, he didn’t call the plays. Philadelphia’s offense is called by head coach Doug Pederson. But, Reigh gets a lot of credit for developing the unit and assisting Pederson. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to at least kick the tires in a coaching search that looks like it’s going to be much more thorough than the last one.
John DeFilippo
It hasn’t been reported yet, but everyone in the world seems to be clamoring for the guy who developed Carson Wentz into a league MVP candidate. What’s more, there are reports out there that Steve Wilks is telling Arizona that he can get DeFilippo with him as OC should he get the job. Crazy – but a Wilks defense and DeFilippo offense is certainly intriguing.
I would have extreme reservations about hiring DeFilippo as head coach given his lack of experience. But, as OC? Hell yeah, let’s give it a shot.
Jim Schwartz
The Eagles defensive coordinator would be an incredibly popular hire in Nashville. It hasn’t been reported that Robinson has looked his way yet, but his name is popping up for virtually every opening there is. Personally, I’d pass on Schwartz, but I’m trying not to be a contrarian for the sake of being a contrarian. It would be nice to go with someone with no Titans ties whatsoever, and someone who’s an up-and-comer. I don’t hold Schwartz in the same class of re-tread as, say, John Fox. But, I want some new ideas.
I’ll be updating this post as new candidates emerge. Stay tuned, Titans fans.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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