Mike Munchak: Titans Coach Puts Penn State Rumors to Rest

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak's name has surfaced as a top candidate for the vacant Penn State head coaching job, but Munchak put those rumors to rest on Wednesday.

According to John Taylor of College Football Talk, Munchak has no plans to leave the organization he has been a part of since 1982 as a player and coach for his alma mater of Penn State. Munchak told Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean that he is perfectly happy with his current situation.

Munchak, who was a Hall of Fame offensive tackle for the Titans and their precursor the Houston Oilers, is in his first season as Tennessee's head coach. Munchak had served as an assistant since 1994 under Jeff Fisher and was given the head coaching gig when Fisher was fired.

Penn State is in a desperate search of a coach that can heal its damaged reputation. Legendary head coach Joe Paterno was fired last month due to his inaction following accusations that former Penn State defensive coordinator molested a boy in a Penn State locker-room shower.

It isn't particularly surprising that Munchak would express his intentions to remain with the Titans as his entire professional career has been dedicated to the organization. Also, at 8-7, the Titans are still technically alive for a postseason berth in the final week of the season.

While Tennessee probably won't make it due to all the things that have to break correctly, it appears as though the Titans have a bright future. The defense has several good, young playmakers and rookie quarterback Jake Locker looks like he's going to be a good one.

There is no question that there is a certain amount of prestige that comes with being the head coach at Penn State, but that may be almost non-existent now due to the scandal that has rocked the very foundation of the institution.

The Nittany Lions must continue their arduous search, and Taylor suggests that Green Bay Packers quarterback coach Tom Clements may now be the leading candidate. Whatever the case, Munchak is smart to stay in a much more comfortable and less volatile situation in Tennessee.