Jeff Fisher Fired: Does This Open Door for a Vince Young Return To Tennessee?

After reports that Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher will be on his way out of Tennessee, just three weeks after owner Bud Adams said quarterback Vince Young will not be on the team next season, it's worth wondering if Adams has simply changed his mind about Young.

Before Young threw his shoulder pads into the stands and infuriated Fisher after a 19-16 loss to the Washington Redskins midway through the season, Young was actually starting to resemble, well, a starting quarterback in the National Football League.

The former third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Young floundered for four seasons with the Titans before beginning to play to his expected potential this season.

So, the question is, does this move bring Vince Young back into the Titans' future plans?

5. Yes: He's Their Best QB By Far

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans plays against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by Jeff Gross/G

This year Vince Young tossed 10 touchdowns to three interceptions in nine games.

In his first two seasons with the Titans, he threw 13 and 17 interceptions respectively.

Although 10 touchdowns may not be that impressive to the naked eye, it was the way Young looked on the field that showed he had truly grown as a football player.

He seemed more comfortable, more in command, and showed glimpses of leadership abilities for really the first time in his career.

Nobody else on the Titans' QB depth chart even comes close to him in terms of talent.

5. No: It's Time to Remove All Baggage

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Lorenzo Alexander #97 of the Washington Redskins forces a fumble by quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverso

In addition to being a 6-10 football team this season, the Titans also unraveled as a team toward the end of the year.

There was little unity, or collective teamwork, evidenced most by Jeff Fisher and Vince Young's stand-off.

With Fisher gone, it could mean Bud Adams has changed his mind about Young, or it could simply mean he's tired of all baggage on the team and Young will indeed be gone soon.

4. Yes: Bud Adams Hearts V.Y.

It's undeniable that owner Bud Adams has always supported Vince Young, even when so many criticized the troubled QB.

He's done so publicly and without shame, and he seems to look past all transgressions of Young's and instead look forward to what he could be or possesses the ability to be.

It could be that he simply got tired of Fisher after 16 seasons and wanted a new direction...featuring his favorite QB in the whole wide world.

4. No: Vince Young's a Headcase

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans watches during a game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on September 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

One of the reasons Vince Young has been unable to live up to his hype is he simply doesn't make very good decisions sometimes, especially off the field.

He's constantly been labeled a head case, at times with sufficient evidence to back up this claim.

It would be nice to think he was done in his wily ways, but I'm pretty sure he didn't throw his shoulder pads into the crowd to give them a souvenir.

3. Yes: Young Is Finally Realizing His Potential

Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 14: Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young and Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tibow attend the 2010 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images for E

The Tennessee Titans have been waiting five years for this, to finally see Vince Young start to resemble a top pick.

This was arguably his best season on the field and showed skills and decision-making that began to win over critics.

Of course, those critics have probably left his corner after he threw his shoulder pads in the crowd, but there's no denying he has improved on the field.

3. No: Adams Respected Fisher Just As Much As V.Y.

As much as Bud Adams went to bat for Vince Young, he wouldn't have made Jeff Fisher the longest-tenured coach in the NFL, keeping him for 16 seasons, if he didn't respect and admire the work Fisher had done.

The Titans had 5-11 and 4-12 seasons in 2004 and 2005, yet Fisher still stuck around then.

So although this move could be construed as a thumbs-up to Young, it could also simply mean Adams is done with both of them.

2. Yes: His Teammates Respect Him

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Marc Mariani #83 of the Tennessee Titans jumps into the arms of quarterback Vince Young #10 after Young threw a touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers in the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Die

When the organization announced Vince Young would not be on the Titans next season, defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks had this to say:

"I'll be disappointed as a friend. He was somebody I played with here and grew close to as a person."

It was also noted that players on the team were starting to respect Young as a leader on the field.

Of course, there was the other side of the coin...

2. No: His Teammates Don't Respect Him

John Sommers II/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 15: Nate Washington #85 celebrates with Vince Young #10 and Bo Scaife #80 of the Tennessee Titans during the second half of play against the Buffalo Bills in their NFL game at LP Field on November 15, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee

In the same article, this was tight end Bo Scaife's response to the announcement of letting Vince Young go, referring to his alleged outburst against Jeff Fisher after the Titans-Redskins game:

"You ain't gonna step on the coach's toes like that in front of people," Scaife said.  "It don't work like that."

"Everyone needs change sometimes," Scaife said.  "It's probably best for (Young) and the organization. Sometimes change is good, so good luck to the Titans and good luck to (Young)."

Young won some supporters in Tennessee, but he also lost some.

1. Yes: Out With the Old, In With the New

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans carries running back Chris Johnson #28 over his shoulders after Johnson scored a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers in the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31,

Letting a guy in Jeff Fisher go that has seemingly been connected at the hip with owner Bud Adams may have been Adams' way of a rebirth.

I mean, you live and breath with the same guy for 16 years, it can become a little tiring.

Maybe Adams needs more vitality and smiles to change the culture of a fairly negative-minded 2010 team.

Although despite Young being, well, young, I've never heard anyone call him "Smiley" himself.

1. No: Titans Go With QB in Draft, Trade Young For Some Value

J. Meric/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 18: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans grimaces in pain during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on October 18, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by J. Me

Having the eight pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Titans have the option of drafting a top QB such as Cameron Newton or Ryan Mallett and building around a youngster.

As much as Young has improved on the field, he has yet to breakthrough, and the Titans might just cut their losses and gain something by trading him.

Then resting their future on another young QB's shoulders.

Plus, they can't rest their future on Young's shoulders because he currently has no shoulder pads, thus nothing to ease the pressure on his shoulders.

Conclusion

I actually think it's very possible for owner Bud Adams to retain Vince Young's services, but I think in the end he lets Young go.

There's too much dissension in the locker room, some players clearly don't respect Young, and it's hard for me to see Adams letting Fisher go and keeping Young after liking Fisher enough to keep him for 16 years.

I think he respects Fisher too much to disgrace him like that.

I think he wants to move on in an entirely different direction (perhaps, ideally, north).