"Mike Munchak tried the politically correct route, hoping to disconnect from the persistent rumors linking him to Penn State without insulting his alma mater.

On Wednesday, however, the Titans coach was left with no choice. With speculation intensifying in his home state, and his team to trying to focus on its quest for a playoff spot, Munchak had to make himself clear.

He's staying in the NFL, he said.

"I love my alma mater, but I have no interest in being the head coach at Penn State. I never want to leave Tennessee," Munchak told The Tennessean. "I have a great deal of respect for Penn State, and I hope they find a great coach there. But I am happy where I'm at.

"It is not like I'm saying I want nothing to do with Penn State. My point is I have no interest in being the head coach there."

Later he made similar statements to a group of reporters after practice, where the Titans started on-field preparations for Sunday's game against the Texans.

The Titans (8-7) need to beat the Texans (10-5), and get some help from other teams, in order to advance to the playoffs. The last thing his team needs this week is a mammoth distraction.

Munchak aired his feelings just a few hours after several outlets in Pennsylvania reported he remained on atop the wish list to replace the fired Joe Paterno."