Tennessee Titans' Sherman Smith Likely Headed to Washington Redskins

Given the lack of high-caliber talent and, coupled with sharing time with the passing game at Tennessee, it stands to reason Sherman Smith may want to explore a new frontier inside the Beltway, even if it means he won't be calling plays if hired as offensive coordinator.

"It is what we're leaving, not so much of what we're going to, is what we're thinking about," Tennessee Titans assistant head coach/running backs coach Smith stated recently.

Smith, who's been with head coach Jeff Fisher and Tennessee for 13 years, was referring to an interview Tuesday with former Seattle Seahawks teammate and new Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn for an undetermined position.

"I think it is mine to turn down, that is my belief," the 53-year-old continued.

If that's the case, don't be shocked if Smith takes the job if an offer is made.

The catalyst in all this is the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger last month, replacing Norm Chow.

Heimderdinger was brought on board to open up one of the worst offenses in the NFL, one in which highly touted quarterback Vince Young threw almost twice as many picks as touchdowns last season.

"[Heimerdinger] was very good at exploiting things in the secondary and opening up the passing game," guard Benji Olson said last month.

Opening up the passing game is code for taking away some of the running game, which Smith coaches.

However, the failure of the running game can't be laid at Smith's feet. Regardless of LenDale White's "success," the Titans' running game was less than explosive last year, to put it nicely.

Smith simply doesn't have the talent to work with. He will, however, have slightly better rushing talent at Washington with Clinton Portis, who gets almost 10 yards more a game than White. Smith will also have a much better passing game to work with.

Sure, he would be leaving a club that's been good to him. Thirteen years with the same team is rather unheard of in most cases, so it'll be a difficult decision to pack up and leave what he's known for so long.

But Smith would also be leaving a situation where his position will be diluted in favor of a more pass-oriented offense, something the Titans need direly.

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