Tennessee Titans: Mike Munchak Takes the Head Coaching Reins in Music City

Former Houston Oiler great, Hall of Famer, and Titans offensive line coach Mike Munchak is now the Tennessee Titans head coach. Following a whirlwind month filled with drama and controversy after the end of the 2010 season that saw 17-year coach Jeff Fisher exit unceremoniously, owner Bud Adams and Titans management decided it to keep it all in the family.

Munchak has been the loyal soldier who no doubt appeals to Adams long held fond memories of the glory "luv you blue" days in Houston. He has been a steady oar-man on a ship that has taken on much water over the past few years with Captain Fisher at the wheel. Munchak, by all reports, has the respect of players and the remaining assistant coaches on the team. 

Over his 14 years as offensive line coach, his units have been among the most productive with the team. This year's unit had its share of difficulties with Eugene Amano making the surprising switch to the center position to replace Kevin Mwae, and former backup center Leroy Harris playing the guard position. Munchak, however, is about to take on a much bigger challenge.

The Titans ship has many holes in its bow. How well and how quickly Munchak makes those repairs will determine whether or not the Titan vessel even makes it out of the harbor next season.

Among the pressing needs for this team are a new defensive line coach, a running backs coach who can keep franchise player Chris Johnson producing and happy in the fold, a wide receivers coach and a new defensive coordinator to help shore up one of the leagues worst defenses in the last two years.

Then, of course, with the Titans' stated decision of parting ways with QB Vince Young—an issue strongly initiated by Fisher—there is the small problem of finding a starting quarterback as well as filling player voids on the defensive side of the ball.

Under the circumstances it would not be surprising to see Mike Heimerdinger back as offensive coordinator, and most likely linebackers coach Dave McGinnis will be  a candidate for defensive coordinator. It would appear that the Titans plan to fill the leaks would be to plug them with anyone currently on deck.

Given the current state of affairs in Titanville, prevailing wisdom called for hiring a head coach from outside the organization who could come in with a fresh approach and an untethered ability to make the necessary changes to get this team on course.

Along with current Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, outsiders Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell interviewed for the position.

Former Titans defensive coordinator and current Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams reportedly declined an offer to be interviewed. However, this is an organization under owner Bud Adams who we have learned is averse to change.

That is not to say Munchak will not be a successful head coach. While he has not had the experience of working outside the Titans organization, he has had the bird's eye view to the Titans' successes and failures over the past decade. His blue collar, roll-up-your-sleeves reputation is certainly one of the values this current Titan team can embrace.

The Titans clearly took the path of least resistance. Whether this was the right move remains to be seen. As a Titan fan, here's to hoping Munchak prevails against the odds.