Jeff Fisher: "I'm Tired..."

((HT: The Tennessean/Wyatt))

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.

Reinfeldt talks about it hyah... thanks to our friends at Newschannel5/WTVF

BREAKING: Fisher And Titans Parting Ways...

Sports Illustrated's Don Banks is reporting that the Titans and Jeff Fisher will part ways. Fisher is, according to FoxSports, getting $8-million to head off into the sunset- $6.5-million in his 2011 salary plus a bonus.

OSG attempted to get some kind of alternate confirmation in this, and we just got it...

The Tennessean's Jim Wyatt has confirmed the report.

From Wyatt:
Titans owner Bud Adams had no comment and seemed surprised by the report.

“Where did you hear that? I better check on that. I can’t talk about it now. I have to talk to my people there,’’ Adams said. “I haven’t talked to them today. I really can’t talk about it now because I don’t know what’s been said. I want to see what is going on.’’

More when we know more...

Until then, here's an interview Fisher did with Steve Mariucci about his future plans from this past season...
((HT: NFLNetwork/Youtube))


Wyatt continues, through his Twitter feed, that the Titans front office was frustrated over his lack of plans for next season and was tired of what they thought was him dragging his feet after firing two coaches last week- one of them being one of his best friends, Chuck Cecil.

Fisher wasn't a fan of coaching with one year left on a contract without a long-term renewal and saw, what he thought was, the writing on that proverbial wall we all talk about in situations like this...

Thus, the divorce...

Here's coverage from our friends at WTVF-TV/Newschannel5 in Nashville...
FOSG Hope Hines stands in front of a big monitor...

BREAKING: VY Not Returning To Titans In 2011

Titans' owner Bud Adams announced Wednesday evening that quarterback Vince Young will not be on the team's roster next season.

He released the following statement to the Titans website:

"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))


Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt released the following statement as well:

"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))

Your Black Monday primer or The Coaching Carousel Hits full speed- Frazier In, Del Rio And Kubiak Safe

Jim Harbaugh/courtesy: football-refs.com

There is a lot to keep an eye on today and this week with today traditionally being a big day for coaching hires and fires in both the NFL and the NCAA.

Here are your story lines:

The big domino in all this is Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. Where he ends up will determine what happens with quite a few others. Harbaugh is coaching Stanford in the Orange Bowl Monday night.

His name has already been attached to the Michigan job, should they fire Rich Rodriguez, but reports are surfacing that he's not interested.

The Big Lead says it won't happen RIGHT HERE

Quite honestly, Rodriguez hasn't been fired yet after the Wolverines collapse late this season and into their bowl game. Athletic Director Dave Brandon says that he'll make a decision on Rich Rod's fate, by sometime this week.

The Detroit News speculates about what is next RIGHT HERE. Note in this story that the fall back plan may include San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke, who could actually be the best choice here.

The popular call: Harbaugh is going to the NFL, quite possibly with the 49ers, with the Broncos and former Stanford alum John Elway, making a case as well.

Other Coaching News:

We talked this weekend about the Vikings keeping Leslie Frazier and NFL.com's Michael Lombardi reporting the Jason Garrett will get interim removed from his head coaching title. There's much more.

Marvin Lewis/Courtesy: uglyfours.com

Will Marvin Lewis stay in Cincinnati? Doubtful. There have already been published reports that Marvin may be the one walking away from this marriage. He's let it be known he'd stay...but only on his terms. And quite honestly, his terms aren't unreasonable...except for the fact that he's in Cincinnati.

Marvin's contract expired yesterday. And we know he is meeting with team president/owner/alleged G.M Mike Brown today. We don't expect Brown to capitulate since he believes he's smarter than pretty much everyone else.

The local spin from WCPO Sports Director John Popovich RIGHT HERE

Yahoo Sports speculates Marvin could end up with the job at Pitt RIGHT HERE

Jeff Fisher/Courtesy: girlofwords.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter tweets "Niners target remains Stanford HC Jim Harbaugh. But team is also preparing to speak with Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis"


Another big name coach, Jeff Fisher. Fisher's Titans struggled mightily at the end of the season and didn't look totally interested in, well, much of anything the last few games. Combine that with the highly publicized battles between Fisher and owner Bud Adams' pet project, one Vince Young and you've got the possibility of the leagues longest tenured coach being unemployed this week.

The teams executive committee and Fisher are, according to reports, scheduled to meet later this week and decide what to do.

So says the National Football Post RIGHT HERE

The Tennessean's David Climer wraps up the tumultuous Titan season...RIGHT HERE

And there's more.....

The Browns have parted ways with Eric Mangini leading to all kinds of speculation. From Team President Mike Holmgren taking the job, to perennial coaching job favorite Jon Gruden.

However, the name that keeps popping up....believe it or not, fired Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox.

From NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora via Twitter: "From what I've gathered on the Browns situation, I see John Fox landing there as head coach with Mike McCoy as offensive coordinator"


It does make some sense, Fox and Holmgren have known each other for years and Fox did have early success in Carolina. However, the Panthers have struggled mightily the past couple of years and though nobody directly pointed the finger at Fox, some blame has to go his way for losing his team.

As for McCoy, he is/was the Offensive Coordinator in Denver, but the Broncos don't currently have a Head Coach, and there is no guarantee that he'd get to keep his job, so it makes sense since Fox is a defensive guy and McCoy has gotten some props for what he's done in Denver.

Other nuggets:


NFL teams looking for coaches: The Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, The Cleveland Browns. Expect the Miami Dolphins and possibly the Jacksonville Jaguars to join that list along with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Possible Coaching names to watch: Mike Zimmer, D-Coordinator in Cincinnati, Atlanta Falcons O-Coordinator Mike Mularkey, possibly Bill Cowher and probably Jon Gruden...since he's attached to every job.

College Coaching Carousel: It all depends on what Harbaugh does. If he goes NFL, then Brady Hoke will be in play. Also, expect someone to take a run at Chris Peterson in Boise and Gary Patterson of TCU. Neither of them will leave. Mike Leach's name will continue to pop-up for jobs as well. And we are hearing that Mangini has already been attached to the opening at UConn since Randy Edsall left to go to Maryland.

All in all, it will be a busy next few weeks, as always, check in here at the Online Sports Guys for the latest in all of this.

Here is the most appropriate video clip we could find, from the movie Logan's Run, welcome to Carousel:



PM UPDATE: Leslie Frazier had the "interim" tag taken off his title in Minnesota...

Jack Del Rio is safe in Jacksonville... even though the team is 4-11 in December
and January under Del Rio the last three years.

Del Rio is the first coach since the NFL merger in 1970 to lead the same team for eight years without capturing a division title.

Gary Kubiak remains head coach in Houston, but they'll need a new DC as Frank Bush is out. Houston also fired secondary coach David Gibbs, LB coach Johnny Holland and assistant LB coach Robert Saleh.

Bum Phillips showed up at Texans practice last week and chatted with owner Bob McNair. People are now thinking that Wade Phillips may be the new DC.

More when we know more...

Titans to Vince Young: Please leave the practice facility

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".

Read more on this from the Tennessean RIGHT HERE

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:

Vince Young gets hurt...throws a hissy fit...

Vince Young is confused/Courtesy: TCSportsreport.com

And the Tennessee Titans...or at least head coach Jeff Fisher are growing tired of it. The Titans lost in overtime yesterday to the Washington Redskins on a field goal, 19-13.

And Young, played alright during the game, until he got hurt, damaging a ligament in the thumb on his throwing hand. Stuff like that happens. But it was what happened afterwards that has Fisher and a lot of Tennessee fans shaking their Titanic heads.

According to reports, Young threw at least part of his jersey at people in the stands, then went into the locker room where he got into a shouting match with his coach and then stormed out of the locker room.

Tennessean columnist David Climer says Young's days in Nashville may be over RIGHT HERE

Our friends at NewsChannel 5 speak to the people about it:



Here is a breakdown from Football Night in America last night :

Titans Sue USC, Kiffin Over Pola Hire

The Tennessee Titans are suing USC and their football head coach, Lane Kiffin, for "maliciously" luring away assistant running backs coach Kennedy Pola a week before training camp opens.

Jim Wyatt's article in the Tenessean, says that Tennessee Football Inc., the company that owns the Titans, filed the lawsuit in something called "Davidson County Chancery Court."

Pola is accused of breach, after only being hired February 1st, and that "as a result of USC and Kiffin’s tortuous conduct, Tennessee football has been damaged in an amount proven at trial."

The Titans have not commented publicly Monday, but back on Saturday Titans head coach (and USC alum himself) Jeff Fisher was less than pleased...

Here's how mad he was back on the weekend...
Jim Hill reads a bunch of full screens for your enjoyment...
((HT: KCBS-TV/CBS2))


The HQ's favorite line of the whole thing...???
Kiffykin's response...

"I have spoken with Coach Fisher and he now has an accurate understanding of the timeline of events."

Sure, kiddo...

Here's the filing, for those of you who like reading those things...

Jeff Fisher isn't that Funny

Apparently members of the Tennessee Titans organization are just chock full of bad ideas this season. The Coach, Jeff Fisher tried to do something that he thought would be humorous while introducing former Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy at a speaking engagement in Nashville. He dressed in a Peyton Manning Colts Jersey. While it drew some laughter from the crowd and from Dungy, the Titan nation...was not pleased. Nor were they happy about the quote that preceded the unveiling "I just wanted to feel like a winner".

Commentary from David Climer of the Tennessean HERE.

The apology story from the Tennessean HERE

((Jeff Fisher surprises everyone//Courtesy: Sanford Meyers/The Tennessean))

This was an odd act from an otherwise incredibly stable, understated coach. Fisher isn't known for bold outbursts, being overly colorful or anything else. He's the longest tenured coach in the NFL right now for a reason, he's been consistently successful with the Titans, a team almost always in playoff contention. This season hasn't been very kind though, last week they lost to New England 59-0 and head into their bye week 0-5.

We don't have video to put in a player, but if you'd like...check out the link from WSMV-TV in Nashville RIGHT HERE

David Givens Suing Titans

((HT: WTVF/Nashville))

Former wide receiver David Givens has filed a lawsuit against the Tennessee Titans, alleging the team played him without telling him about a horribly damaged knee.

In week 10 of the 2006 season, Givens was injured on a play that he said changed his life and ended his career. The play came against the Baltimore Ravens early in the 4th quarter. Givens ran 7 yards off the line-of-scrimmage, moved to change direction on his left leg and collapsed.

Doctors carted Givens off the field, and he never returned.

The lawsuit claims the injury could have been prevented.

"His knee just exploded on him. He's had multiple surgeries, and it can't be fixed so that he can play football again," said attorney Dan Warlick.

Warlick has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit on behalf of Givens against the Titans.

Here's the story as it ran on WKRN-TV/News 2
Chris Bungard and Joe Dubin have team coverage that ends with a very pissed off Jeff Fisher. Fisher addresses the idea that WTVF-TV ran a soundbite out of context from 2006 when initially reporting the story back then...

McNair Shooting: Tuesday Update

((HT: Tennessean/Howard, Schrade, Echegaray, Smietana))

Here's your highlights from the Tuesday analysis on the McNair murder and Kazemi shooting from Saturday:

Kazemi's family is struggling with the news that she bought the gun, and the likelihood of an announcement that Kazemi's death was a suicide.

During a recent interview, her nephew Farzin Abdi said that Kazemi had not owned a gun. He had suggested to Kazemi that — if she felt unsafe when she was alone — she purchase a gun when she turned 21.

"I hope they find the truth," Abdi said. "I just don't know if this is everything as they say."

Metro Police Department Spokesman Don Aaron said detectives were concerned about the length of time it took McNair's friend to call police once he discovered the bodies. Wayne Neeley, who rented the condo with McNair, got there before 1 p.m. Saturday, but police weren't called until another friend arrived at 1:35 p.m.

McNair and Kazemi had been dead for several hours by the time their bodies were found, police said. Aaron said they did not believe the bodies were moved. When asked if other evidence may have been moved, he said he couldn't comment.

Police and emergency communications officials have declined to release the tape of that 911 call, citing the ongoing investigation.

On Monday afternoon, the condo had been processed by detectives, but inside it still looked like a crime scene. The building's owner allowed The Tennessean to view the apartment once police released the unit to him.

What was left of the couch was bloodstained, but much of it had been cut up during the evidence- gathering process. A large bloodstain remained on the carpet in front of the couch.

Two pieces of drywall behind the couch had been cut out for processing at the crime lab. Penciled near the missing chunks of wall were the words "strike mark #1," "strike mark #2" and "stain #1" marking apparent bullet holes and a bloodstain.

Fingerprint dust could be seen on doors throughout the apartment, including the refrigerator.

About a dozen liquor bottles sat in a corner on the kitchen counter. Attached to the counter was a piece of paper taped like a pocket with a $20 bill sticking out. Written on the note were the words "Never Broke."

The dwelling did not have any photographs or other personal touches. It had the depersonalized feel of a vacation spot timeshare. There was a Christmas tin sitting near the kitchen, addressed to Wayne and Steve. A pile of men's white sneakers lay in the corner of the kitchen. The sound of radio music could be heard from an upstairs bedroom.

Mechelle McNair has not spoken publicly about the death. Steve McNair had four sons.

Kazemi's family has said she believed McNair was in the process of divorcing his wife when they met at her job at Dave & Buster's several months ago and began dating. There is no record of divorce filings for the couple.

Bishop Joseph Walker, the pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, said he had no indication there was trouble in the McNairs' marriage. When they came to service, they came together. They had not been to see him for counseling.

"Obviously, it's very devastating for Mechelle and their children, and devastating to our church, because of the man we know Steve to be," Walker said.

The circumstances, Walker said, are not for us to judge.

"People forget that there were two lives lost here, that two families are affected," Walker said. "It's not time to demonize anyone."

McNair, who led the Tennessee Titans to their only Super Bowl appearance in 1999, had two arrests in Nashville. He was arrested on a DUI charge in 2003 that was later dismissed, and in 2007, he was arrested on an owner-operator DUI because his brother was charged with drinking and driving in his car while McNair was a passenger.

There was no cause to arrest McNair when he was a passenger during Kazemi's DUI stop on July 2 because Kazemi was a co-owner of the Cadillac Escalade and bore the responsibility, Aaron said.

Kazemi was driving 54 mph in a 30-mph zone and was stopped at Broadway near 12th Avenue, according to court records. She told police she was not drunk, but high. She later said it had been eight hours since she had drunk any alcohol. The court records don't mention that McNair and a second passenger were in the car.

Although McNair was an owner, police did follow procedure when they released McNair, said Nashville criminal defense lawyer Nathan Moore.

"Absolutely, they did the right thing," Moore said of the officers' letting McNair take a cab. "He had no legal obligation keeping her from driving the SUV. It was registered in both their names."

Officer Shawn Taylor, who stopped Kazemi, also was the officer who arrested McNair in 2003. The charges were dismissed and expunged.

Taylor, however, was disciplined six years ago for violating department rules by repeatedly asking McNair to take a breath test after he refused. Police also said Taylor violated departmental rules then by taking home copies of DUI arrest tapes, including one of McNair.

There's no indication McNair was given a pass in the Thursday traffic stop though, Aaron said.

"The officer even said to Ms. Kazemi that if the Escalade was registered solely to McNair, he would likely have been in the same situation as she," Aaron said.

A public visitation for McNair is set for 3:45-6:45 p.m. Thursday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Whites Creek. A memorial service is at 7 p.m. Kazemi's family is still looking for a funeral home.

FOSG Heather Cook has a look at the Jeff Fisher press conference from Monday and catches up with Steve brothers, Fred and Tim, as they reflect on the family's loss and Steve's son Junior's senior season in high school...
((HT: WDAM-TV/Hattiesburg))

McNair Murder: Jeff Fisher Press Conference

((HT: NewsChannel 5/WTVF-TV))