NFL: Each team’s greatest head coach in franchise history

Tennessee Titans: Jeff Fisher (1994-10)

The Tennessee Titans started out as the Houston Oilers back in 1960 and remained there until 1997 when they moved to Nashville. When they moved to The Music City, they started out as the Tennessee Oilers for two seasons before changing their name to the current moniker. During that transition, they had a strong leader at head coach in Jeff Fisher.

Just 36-years-old when he took over as interim head coach in 1994, Fisher did enough to earn the full-time job — which is impressive considering he was 1-5 in that stint. A former NFL defensive back, Fisher was a well-respected defensive mind who had been a defensive coordinator with three teams before getting his shot as a coach.

His ability to push his defenders to be their best was easy to see, as the Titans were always a tough opponent. At times, it was said they crossed the lines and were called dirty by opponents, but they also seemed to understand the line and usually just stayed close enough to it to frustrate opponents, but not be punished.

Fisher was aided by the addition of Steve McNair, the athletic quarterback from Alcorn State who was taken No. 3 overall in Fisher’s first full season as head coach. McNair’s tough style fit perfectly with Fisher and they wound up going to the first Super Bowl in their history after the 1999 NFL season.

One of the more exciting Super Bowls of all time, McNair and the Titans came up one-yard short of tying the game with the then-St. Louis Rams. It was devastating, but still part of the best run the Oilers/Titans have ever had.