No, it really wasn't much of a surprise, he's been the frontrunner all along. The Tennessee Titans, according to published reports are hiring Mike Munchak, the now former offensive line coach, to be the teams next head coach, replacing Jeff Fisher.
Like we said, this wasn't a surprise. Munchak, who has been either a player or coach for the Franchise since back when they were in Houston as the Oilers, has been with owner Bud Adams since 1982. He's a very smart guy who is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
We didn't expect the Titans to bring someone else in unless Munchak completely tanked his interview. Adams is known for sticking with people familiar to him, heck Fisher was the coac for 16-years.
We'll update this story as a Press Conference is more than likely going to happen later on Monday.
Here's fan reaction, thanks again to the Tennessean... Obviously, reactions can range from "it's about time" to "how can you DO something like this...?"
“I think I'm tired,” former Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher said at his 40-minute exit presser Friday. “I need to rest.”
“It’s a very tough day for this franchise. Jeff meant a great deal to this team and I appreciate all that he has done for us,"owner Bud Adams said through a speaker-phone in his Houston office.“Unfortunately, organizations and coaches almost always reach a point where it is time for a change and this is where we are."
General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and Executive Vice President Steve Underwood said that they're looking for the next head coach- effective immediately. The HQ is leaning toward current assistant Mike Munchak as the new BMOC.
"As you are aware, we have been engaged in a series of internal discussions over the last month about the future of our football team. We have two critical decisions to make – the direction of the coaching staff and the future at the quarterback position. They are separate issues to me and will be dealt with separately.
"Today, I informed our general manager Mike Reinfeldt to move forward with plans to begin the process of identifying the next quarterback for our franchise. He will inform Vince Young's agent that Vince will not be on our roster next season. I want to offer my personal thanks to Vince for all of his positive contributions to the club. These kinds of decisions are never easy and this is especially true for this particular player. I certainly wish that things would have worked out better, but I think it is best for the franchise that we move on at this point.
"I also informed Jeff (Fisher) today that I was continuing the evaluation of the coaching staff and I am hoping to make a decision soon."
Here's part of what went down in Nashvegas... ((HT: NBC/Youtube))
"I talked with Vince's agent Tom Condon today and informed him that Vince will not figure into the club's plans for next season. Under league rules, Vince's contract cannot be terminated until February 7 when waivers begin for the new season. Similarly, he cannot be traded to another club until trading begins on the first day of the league year. Until then, Vince is welcome to rehab his injury either here at our facility or elsewhere.
"I let Mr. Adams know that we will explore all of the options that are available to us to solidify the quarterback position for the upcoming season."
And here's a E:60 piece that ESPN did on Vince Young that goes into a little background on the troubled QB... ((HT: ESPN))
Young on sidelines/Courtesy: robert smith-gannett tennessee
Wow...we knew that the team was less than thrilled with their mercurial quarterback's latest temper tantrum...but this is a bit of a surprise.
Apparently, according to multiple reports, the Titans asked Young to leave after he showed up at the teams practice facility to attend meetings. He was apparently told "He wouldn't be needed".
While this is somewhat of a bold statement on coach Jeff Fisher's part, we see a big problem on the near horizon. Sure, the team is putting him on injured reserve and despite what Young says about wanting to go back in the game this past Sunday, his injury would've prevented it. This sounds a bit like some lines being drawn in the sand.
Titans owner Bud Adams has already made it pretty clear that he wants Fisher and Young to just get along, but it may no longer be possible. The question is "Who does he choose?". Do you pick your long-time head coach who has led the team to tons of success? Or do you go with your $12 million a year QB who keeps having hissy fits when things don't go his way?
We know what we'd choose, but we aren't a multi-gazillionaire owner either. In our opinion Mr. Young needs some serious maturity lessons and believe that is what Fisher is trying to do. If for some reason Adams decides to side with Young and get rid of Fisher, you can bet on two things: One, Fisher will be snapped up by another team...immediately, he's that good a coach and Two, it will be tough finding a "Top Level" coach who wants to baby-sit the owners high-priced, prima donna, not nearly as good as he or the owner thinks quarterback.
Update: Just after we posted this, word came the Titans released a statement about today's events. From the Titans website:
Tennessean reports indicating that Vince Young is not welcome at Baptist Sports Park are incorrect. Yesterday, he was informed by a coach at the facility not to attend Monday’s team meeting and was free to leave. The intention was to be able to talk to the team about Young’s situation and how the team would move forward. Players that are on injured reserve are not required to attend team meetings. As of today, he has been placed on injured reserve and all the same rules apply to him as to any other player in that category.”
This whole scenario, reminds me a little bit of this:
Ok, so we really didn't know what to make of this story when we saw it because it was well...kind of odd. Apparently Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams...all 86 years old of him, was seen...uh...shall we say pointing towards the Buffalo Bills at the end of Sunday's game and showing them that...uh...they were #1, or to be precise, flipping them the bird.
Well, it wasn't "Super High Quality" video, but it was pretty evident as to what that was...wasn't it? It's not exactly something that you would expect to see from an 80+ Multi-gazillionaire NFL owner. Oddly enough, NFL Commisioner was at the game and sat with Adams for most of it, though he had left before the game ended. We suspect this may not go over so well in the league office...just a hunch.
Oh...here is Adams' apology, issued this morning: "I need to apologize for my actions yesterday near the end of the game. I got caught up in the excitement of a great day, but I do realize that those types of things shouldn't happen. I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL. I obviously have a great deal of respect for Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared. I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those."
Wonder how much Bud had to drink during the game?....just sayin'
UPDATE: Jim Wyatt from the Tennessean reveals that the Adams' Salute has become one of the more expensive middle-finger moments in recent memory...
To the tune of $250,000 for "conduct detrimental to the league."
