NFL: Tennessee Titans Fire Jeff Fisher, so What's Next?

The Tennessee Titans and head coach Jeff Fisher have agreed to part ways after 16 years together.

You can read more here. Statements from the team and Coach Fisher are here.

This is hardly unexpected.  People are wondering why the Titans waited until now to make the move because this is late in the off-eason for a move like this. That leads us to the possibility that the Titans are hiring a coordinator from one of the Super Bowl teams, or they have a deal with a big name coach like Bill Cowher or Tony Dungy.

Here is a closer look at the Titans' situation.

What Happened?

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 19: Coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans calls instructions to his team against the Houston Texans at LP Field on December 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans, 31-17. (Photo by Grant Halverson/G

Fisher was the most tenured head coach in the NFL and the only coach the franchise has known.  The new winner of the most tenured head coach award is Andy Reid, with Bill Belichick as runner-up.

After a disappointing 8-8 season in 2009, the Titans only won six games in 2010, complete with a 5-game losing streak after the bye week.

All season, Fisher allowed his feud with Vince Young to be a huge distraction. Recently, he fired defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil. Jim Washburn, the defensive line coach, went to the Eagles, so it seems very unlikely Washburn would have bolted to Philadelphia unless he knew about this.

$8 Million Dollars

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Jeff Fisher the Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans watches play during NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Don't weep for Fisher. He will receive an $8 million dollar going away present and was originally going to make $6.5 million dollars in 2011.

Was the extra money paid to compensate Fisher for missing out on other coaching gigs? Maybe, but those teams may be kicking themselves for not waiting now.

Mike Munchak

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 22: Offensive line coach Mike Munchak of the Tennessee Titans watches play against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 22, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Most people in the know are saying offensive line coach Mike Munchak will replace Fisher as head coach.

While Chris Johnson has to get a lot of the credit, Munchak's lineman certainly did a good job opening up running lanes. Kerry Collins and Young were only sacked 26 times in 2010.

On the other hand, this is a bold move that may require a big name replacement. Bill Cowher or John Gruden may be summoned to Bud Adam's office.

Vince Young

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass 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

With or without Jeff Fisher, Bud Adams is still going to trade or release Young.

The Titans' front office was never happy with how Young went about his business. His trade value has plummeted, so don't be shocked if he ends up getting released.

Fisher's Future

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Jeff Fisher the Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans watches play during NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

What next for Fisher?

Well, everybody always speculates about television or radio opportunities. Fisher will have options there.

Rumors are already circulating that he could end up as a defensive coordinator for someone like the Eagles. Would a team hire Fisher to be their defensive coordinator knowing he could leave for a head coaching job in 2012?

He may just sit on his $8 million and return in 2012 or beyond.

Stay tuned.