After being eliminated from the NFL Playoffs, the Tennessee Titans firing head coach Mike Mularkey is the right move for the franchise going forward.
Following years of mediocrity or worse, the Tennessee Titans made it into the 2018 NFL Playoffs. Not only that, but they were able to go on the road in the Wild Card Round and earn a comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Yet, after getting trounced by the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round, the future of the team still appeared uncertain. That apparently extended to the head coach, Mike Mularkey.
On Monday, the Titans and Mularkey agreed to part ways after they couldn’t reach an agreement, per ESPN’s Field Yates. There is no word on other coaching changes just yet, but this could be the start of several moves from general manager Jon Robinson.
Regardless of whoever replaces Mularkey, though, this decision was one that was a long-time coming. Watching the Titans throughout the 2017 season was, frankly, somewhat of a chore. They came into the year with immense expectations as a breakout candidate, but never seemed to get over the hump quite in the way that they could have.
And really, it was hard not to look at Mularkey and offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie as big factors as to why that was the case. From the play-calling to the game-planning to the in-game adjustments, there just seemed to be a disconnect between the talent on the roster and the performances that were being put forth.
Ostensibly, the Titans have a young, talented roster that’s full of promise. Though Marcus Mariota is full of promise, he’s yet to realize his potential. Even still, they have a Heisman-Trophy winner at running back in Derrick Henry, a top offensive line, nice pieces like Kevin Byard and Adoree’ Jackson (among others) on defense, and plenty of other promising players. However, there were times when you wouldn’t be able to tell that by watching them.
Next: 2018 NFL Playoffs: Picks, predictions for Conference Championships
As such, parting ways with Mularkey is what’s ultimately best for the franchise. This team has the talent to make a leap and find extra gears. We weren’t seeing that with the old-school head coach at the helm, even with his promises of exotic smash-mouth football. Now, whether it’s Josh McDaniels or someone else taking the job, there should be renewed hope for the Titans moving forward.