Tommy Smith Retires as Titans President, CEO: Latest Details and Reaction

Tommy Smith stepped down as Tennessee Titans president and chief executive officer, leaving the franchise to find someone else to guide it back to being a contender.

Continue for updates.

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Adams Family Turmoil Led to Smith's Exit

Monday, March 23

Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reported on the circumstances that led to Smith stepping down from his roles within the Titans:

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Tommy Smith's decision to retire as CEO of the Titans was made in part because of an apparent shift in thinking within the family-owned NFL team, according to sources familiar with the situation.

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Smith, son-in-law of the late Kenneth S. "Bud" Adams, was named the team's chief decision maker following the death of the long-time Titans owner in October 2013 and after other family members appointed Susie Adams Smith, his wife, as controlling owner. The NFL signed off on the provisional agreement unless other owners withdrew their consent.

Susie Adams Smith and Amy Adams Strunk, daughters of Bud Adams, have 33 percent ownership each of the parent company which owns the Titans. They are also co-chairpersons. The family of Adams' deceased son, Kenneth Adams III, also has one-third ownership — his grandsons, Kenneth IV (11 percent) and Barclay Cunningham Adams (11 percent), and their mother, Susan Lewis (11 percent).

According to league sources, there was no longer a consensus among ownership that Susie Adams Smith should be the controlling owner, which contributed to Tommy Smith stepping down.

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Smith Steps Down as Titans President, CEO

Friday, March 20

In a statement on the Titans' official website, Smith cited that juggling all of his family and work duties became too much and that he needed to take a step back. He added that he feels Tennessee is in a good place and that the timing is right for him to walk away:

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We have made some moves within the Titans organization, both on and off the field, that I believe will bring some very positive immediate results. There is a side of me that wishes I could continue to be heavily involved, but I will remain an avid Titans fan while leaving those decisions in the hands of professionals who are fully focused. My family and Adams Resources will get my full-time attention.

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Wyatt also reported that Steve Underwood, the team's senior executive vice president, will take over for Smith until the Titans find a permanent replacement.

"I am honored to return to Nashville to help the organization during this search period," Underwood explained in a statement on the Titans' website. "I have a great deal of respect for the family and look forward to aiding the team during this time."

ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky wonders how Smith's departure might impact a potential sale of the team:

In January, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the Titans' ownership could change hands in 2015. Smith remained adamant that the rumors weren't true.

"The team is not for sale. We are not entertaining any conversations in regard to the sale of the team. Period," he said on Jan. 19, per Wyatt. "Any statements that say so are completely off base, and I resent it. It is not helpful to what we are trying to accomplish as an organization and as a family."

Bleacher Report's Rivers McCown put a more positive spin on the situation, arguing that Smith's retirement could mean Tennessee gets a more football-versed mind to lead the organization:

The Titans will have a chance to hit the proverbial reset button this offseason. After last year's 2-14 finish, the franchise needed to make changes in the front office.

Between Smith stepping down and the team possessing the second overall pick in the 2015 draft, the Titans can start the much-needed revitalization in 2015.