Tennessee Titans, Head Coach Mike Mularkey Mutually Agree To Part Ways

Less than 12 hours after word of an extension for Tennessee Head Coach Mike Mularkey came word that he and the Titans will mutually part ways.

It is clear that what sparked the contract extension was the run the NFL Playoffs this season that saw a road win against Kansas City and a defeat at the hand of the New England Patriots. After the two parties met it was decided that both had differing ideas on the best direction for the franchise according to TitansOnline.

Mularkey was named Interim Head Coach in November of 2015 before taking over as Head Coach early in 2016. The run lasted through Saturday and a loss to the New England Patriots.

Mike Mularkey and Tennessee missed the Playoffs last season and watched as Quarterback Marcus Mariota went down with a season-ending injury against Jacksonville in Late December. Some would say he took a developmental step backward this season throwing more interceptions. He showed he was well recovered by making plays with his feet returning to a dual threat Quarterback that Oregon Fans grew to love when he was an Oregon Duck.

The style of Offense in Tennessee was not the right for the style of play that NEEDS to happen under Mariota. So, a change of direction was in order. Titans Controlling Owner Amy Adams Strunk commented, “It is certainly unfortunate that we couldn’t find enough common ground. I generally believe that continuity is the best path for success, but I also view this as an important moment for our football team as we try to make that next step to sustained success on the field. Jon will begin the search immediately to identify that person .”

According to ESPN, Tennessee is the first team to change coaches following a Playoff Run in 15 years.

Next: Tennessee Titans Ride Ends In Foxboro

Adam Schefter is already working the phones and sees New England Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels as a possibility, but that will have to wait until the Patriots wrap up the season.