Tennessee Titans News: Pro Sports Daily

February 4

New York Post

"Are you ready for a lot more prime-time football? NFL commissioner Roger Goodell used his annual Super Bowl news conference yesterday to reveal the league is dramatically expanding the Thursday night package on its own network starting this fall. In what appeared to be a way to up the pressure in its long-running dispute with Time Warner Cable and Cablevision over New York-area carriage of the NFL Network, the league said that channel will now show Thursday games from Week 2 through Week 15. The NFL Network previously broadcast Thursday games the final eight weeks of the season, but Goodell said the expansion resulted from a desire to guarantee every team in the league at least one"

Ex-Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher embraces new challenge with St. Louis Rams

February 3

Tennessean

"He had been in places like this many times before, making the rounds for interviews before a Super Bowl. Yet this time as he walked through media headquarters, the credential around his neck said something different: Jeff Fisher, St. Louis Rams. Three weeks after accepting the job, Fisher knows it might take time for some folks to get used to it, but the man who coached the Titans for 17 seasons said he's already comfortable with the change. "It is normal now. The St. Louis Rams has a nice ring to it," Fisher said on Thursday. "I can't tell you how much I valued and treasured my experience in Tennessee, and I will keep a home there. It was a great experience. But I'm ready for the next"

Goodell: If NFL expands, it'll add two more teams

February 3

CBSSports.com

"It's no secret the NFL wants to expand to Los Angeles. And while so much of the attention has been focused on which franchise would relocate to L.A. -- whether it's the Chargers, Vikings, Jaguars or Rams -- we haven't discussed much the possibility of the NFL expanding. Apparently, that's an option. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday on Costas Live on the NBC Sports Network that if the league places a team in L.A., the NFL probably would add two more franchises to make it an even 34. Goodell said the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams" and "we probably don't want to go to 33" if the NFL decides expansion is a good choice."

McCourty twins run side by side in NFL

February 2

Tennessean

"Patriots owner Robert Kraft knew which player his team would pick in the first round of the 2010 draft. So did Coach Bill Belichick. So in the minutes leading up to the 27th overall selection, Kraft dialed Devin McCourty's cell number. "Hello, Devin. Congratulations — we're going to be picking you with the next pick," Kraft told McCourty. "You're going to be a nice addition. "You're going to be a great Patriot." The only problem: Kraft wasn't talking to Devin McCourty. The voice on the other end of the phone belonged to Devin's identical twin brother, Jason McCourty, who'd just finished his first season with the Titans."

Tennessee Titans' Kenny Britt fined $1,500 in New Jersey case

February 2

Tennessean

"Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt pleaded guilty to a charge of disturbing the peace and paid a $1,500 fine on Tuesday, a Hoboken (N.J.) Municipal Court spokesman said. Britt faced several charges after a June arrest at a New Jersey car wash. Those charges included tampering with evidence, obstructing a government function and resisting arrest after Britt allegedly crushed a cigar containing what police officers suspected was marijuana. Those charges were later reduced and dismissed Tuesday."

Tennessee Titans' Matt Hasselbeck analyzes Super Bowl XLVI

January 30

Tennessean

"The Giants ruined a perfect season for the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, scoring in the final minute to shock the football world. The teams meet again Sunday in Indianapolis, this time in Super Bowl XLVI. It's expected to be another close one — back on Nov. 6, the Giants beat the Patriots 24-20. The Titans didn't play the Patriots or the Giants in 2011, but Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck knows both teams well. The 13-year pro breaks down Super Bowl XLVI for Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean: What the Patriots must do to win The Patriots have a special player in Tom Brady. And I think the Patriots are really special on offense when they can get their tight ends — Rob Gronkowski and Aaron"

Adams named Salute to Service award finalist

January 30

Tennessean

"The NFL has named Titans owner Bud Adams and Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh as finalists for the league's inaugural Salute to Service Award. They were selected for their exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community. The award will be presented to one of the finalists on Saturday night at the NFL Honors event. In addition, award sponsor USAA — a leading provider of insurance and other services to members of the U.S. military – will make a $25,000 contribution in the winner's honor to the aid societies representing all five military branches."

Keith Bulluck remains Super Bowl spectator

January 29

Tennessean

"Keith Bulluck missed his biggest goal — to play in a Super Bowl — by one year. Twice. In 2000, he was watching Super Bowl XXXIV on television when many of his future teammates with the Titans came up just short against the Rams. A few months later the Titans drafted Bulluck, but in his 10 years with the franchise it never got back to the big stage. Next Sunday, Bulluck will watch the Super Bowl on television again, perhaps in a New York sports bar where he viewed games this season, as his former teammates with the Giants play the Patriots. Again, Bulluck missed the big game by year, his stint with the Giants lasting only for 2010. Bad luck? Definitely. But he's not beating himself up."

Titans likely to make ripples, not splash in free-agent pool

January 27

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"Ruston Webster is new on the job and has $30 million burning a hole in his pocket. So what kind of free agent wheeler/dealer will the Titans' new general manager be? Based on the franchise's history and Webster's stated agenda, the wheeling will be far from dramatic and the dealing limited. The names may change but the personnel game plan remains the same. Whether the general manager's title is attached to Floyd Reese, Mike Reinfeldt or Webster, this is a franchise that builds through the draft and uses free agency to fill in the blanks. Webster, who replaced Reinfeldt earlier this month when Reinfeldt was promoted, said as much. He'll let the Cowboys, Redskins and franchises of that ilk"

For Titans, it's time to play Moneyball

January 27

Tennessean

"The good news for the Titans is they have money to spend heading into free agency in March. They're about $30 million under the salary cap. The bad news is 17 of their own players are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents, and plenty of holes need to be filled. So where will the money go? Will they pay up to sign a big-name free agent? The answers remain to be seen, but it's a safe bet that the Titans won't write a check for anyone like they did for Chris Johnson last year, when the running back was given a $53.5 million extension. That contract made Johnson the highest-paid Titan by a wide margin. The Tennessean's version of Titans Moneyball looks at the highest-paid players and best"

Former Titan Keith Bulluck enoying life after football

January 26

Tennessean

"Former Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck ended up enjoying his first year away from football in more than 20 years more than he thought he would. Bulluck didn't play this past fall after playing 11 NFL seasons. He played for the Titans from 2000-09, and played in 2010 with the Giants, but wasn't signed by anyone after that season. So, for the first time since he was 10 years old, he took it easy. "I've been living and loving life, you know?,'' Bulluck said on Wednesday. "It's the first time in a long time I haven't had a schedule, or training to do. So I am taking advantage of that. It's been cool.'' Bulluck recently returned from a trip overseas with former college teammate and current"

Tennessee Titans assistant Dave McGinnis can't resist Jeff Fisher's call

January 26

Tennessean

"When Dave McGinnis was named head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2000, the first person he called was then-Titans Coach Jeff Fisher. He had procedural questions, and needed advice. Several years later, when McGinnis was out of a job, Fisher called on McGinnis to be one of his assistants. So when Fisher was named head coach of the St. Louis Rams earlier this month, it's no surprise he came after McGinnis. McGinnis said it was an easy decision to join him, though he admitted it's tough leaving the Titans after eight seasons. McGinnis accepted a job as assistant head coach with the Rams earlier this week. The Rams on Wednesday officially announced the move. McGinnis was packing boxes on"

Tennessee Titans' coaching staff gains one, loses one

January 24

Tennessean

"As defensive line coach with the Buccaneers last season, Keith Millard watched UCLA's Akeem Ayers a lot on film leading up to the NFL draft. He envisioned how Ayers might fit in with the Bucs as a defensive end, and fell in love with his athletic ability and potential. Ayers wound up with the Titans as a second-round pick, but Millard will get to work with the young linebacker after all. The Titans hired the three-time All-Pro as a defensive assistant/pass rush specialist on Monday. Millard is charged with helping revive a defense that was 31st in the NFL in sacks last season. And one of his projects will be helping Ayers, who had two of the team's 28 sacks last season, develop into a"

Tennessee Titans begin to take note of top college prospects

January 24

Tennessean

"They've watched hundreds of hours of game film and sorted through reams of evaluations, but now the Titans get to see college football's top draft eligible players in person. NFL scouts, coaches and front office personnel descended on Mobile, Ala., on Monday to start watching practices for Saturday's Senior Bowl, the first showcase of draft season. "We've gone through all the evaluations during the season and now we're going to get in a situation where there's nothing but players," new Titans General Manager Ruston Webster said. "We'll be looking to see if they match up with what we thought about them during the year, and see who stands out. "Usually the guys that stand out in those"

Ruston Webster said to have keen eye for talent

January 22

Tennessean

"Ruston Webster's football playing career ended on a high school field in Mississippi more than 30 years ago. A linebacker, he wrecked a knee during his senior season. Yet it was hardly a dream-killer. As he walked the campus as a student at Ole Miss the next four years, Webster knew what he wanted to do with his life. And he could hardly wait to get started. "I wanted to go into coaching, whether it was a high school job or whatever," he said. "That's what I was going to do." Webster's coaching career was also short-lived, but he found that his eye for scouting talent — as well as the need for a bigger paycheck and more stability — would lead him to his life's calling. The Titans this week"

Cortland Finnegan still thinks Tennessee Titans won't re-sign him

January 21

Tennessean

"The Titans shuffled their front office earlier this week, but cornerback Cortland Finnegan isn't sure the moves will change anything. He remains pessimistic about his chances of returning to the team in 2012. Mike Reinfeldt was promoted from general manager to senior executive vice president, Ruston Webster was promoted to GM and Lake Dawson replaced Webster as vice president of player personnel. Finnegan, who said he hasn't heard from the Titans since the end of the season, suspects all three men think along the same lines. "I hope it changes things, but I don't know," Finnegan said. "All those guys work closely together. You see all of them — Lake, Ruston and Mike — together all the"

Titans hire former Oiler Steve Brown as assistant coach

January 20

Tennessean

"Titans Coach Mike Munchak added another former teammate to his staff on Thursday with the hiring of Steve Brown as assistant secondary coach. The former University of Kentucky defensive coordinator was a Munchak teammate with the Houston Oilers in the 1980s. He was also a teammate of Titans assistant coaches Bruce Matthews and Frank Bush, as well as Senior Executive Vice President Mike Reinfeldt. Brown will assist secondary coach Brett Maxie, who was hired on Monday. Brown and Maxie met for several hours on Wednesday, and Brown said everyone realized "it was a great fit." "It worked out perfectly," he said. "I am excited as heck to work with those guys, and hopefully we can do something"

Titans got needed help from rookies

January 20

Tennessean

"Since putting down roots in Nashville, the Titans have produced an NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and a running back that rushed for more than 1,200 yards in his rookie season. But as far as the immediate impact of an entire Titans rookie draft class, you'd have a hard time finding one that was more productive than the 2011 group. Among its many accomplishments, the class featured three regular starters by season's end and also accounted for almost one quarter of the team's total tackles, more than a third of its tackles for losses, more than 40 percent of its sacks, and almost half its forced fumbles. "There's not a class that comes to mind," said"

Tennessee Titans' Jerry Gray will interview with Indianapolis Colts

January 19

Tennessean

"The Titans on Wednesday granted the Indianapolis Colts permission to interview defensive coordinator Jerry Gray for their head coaching job, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Colts fired Jim Caldwell on Tuesday after a 2-14 season. Gray previously interviewed for the head coaching job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have not yet hired a coach. It is unknown when the interview with Gray will take place."

Building free agency plan will take up new GM's time

January 19

Tennessean

"In the next couple of days, new Titans General Manager Ruston Webster plans to meet with the team's coaches and with salary-cap expert Vin Marino. Then it's time to get down business. Webster will begin the process of shaping next season's roster — a job that will include making decisions on the team's potential unrestricted free agents, preparing for the free-agency market in March and readying for the college draft in April. "This league's full of pressure," Webster said. "But I love my job … Hopefully that will take a little pressure off." Webster said two of the more important matters he'll address moving forward are the Titans' running game and overall defense."

Tennessee Titans adjust front office

January 19

Tennessean

"Five years ago, when the Titans went searching for a new general manager to replace Floyd Reese, the team interviewed five potential candidates. One of them was Mike Reinfeldt, who was eventually hired. Another was Ruston Webster. On Wednesday, the team shuffled its front office to promote Reinfeldt, who will now serve as the team's senior executive vice president/chief operating officer. And on the same day, Webster was promoted to fill that general manager's seat he wanted back in 2007. The moves kept the front office intact and laid the groundwork for some new decision-making. Reinfeldt, who will now oversee all aspects of the organization — football and non-football — endorsed the"

Rebuilder Jeff Fisher will have hands full with St. Louis Rams

January 18

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"Two days before he was introduced as the new coach of the St. Louis Rams, Jeff Fisher came to the aid of two teenagers that had been involved in a serious car crash. This is right out of Fisher's game plan. He's a good citizen and a nice guy, willing to lend a hand even when there is no TV camera nearby. Now he can get down to the business of trying to fix the train wreck that has been Rams football over the last five years. Since 2007, the Rams have won 15 games and lost 65. They were 2-14 this season. It is a match made in NFL heaven — at least in the near term. The Rams need Fisher. And Fisher needs the Rams."

Tennessee Titans coaching changes look settled

January 17

Tennessean

"Titans Coach Mike Munchak filled one big staff opening on Monday, adding former Cowboys secondary/safeties coach Brett Maxie as the new secondary coach. He doesn't expect much more in the way of turnover. Munchak said he wouldn't be surprised if former Titans Coach Jeff Fisher, scheduled to be introduced Tuesday as the new coach of the Rams, was interested in taking some of his old Tennessee staff with him to St. Louis."

What position are Tennessee Titans in for 2012?

January 16

Tennessean

"The bottom line for the Titans in 2011: they took three steps forward. One year after posting a 6-10 record that included losses in eight of the last nine games, the Titans turned it around in Mike Munchak's first year as head coach, winning four of their last six to finish 9-7. "A lot of good happened," Munchak said. "I think we are heading in the right direction in a lot of areas." That's the challenge for Munchak and his staff now, keeping things going on the "right direction.""

Goodell: NFL to consider some full-time officials

January 16

Chicago Tribune

"Aiming to ensure NFL rules are enforced the same way from game to game, the league will consider making about 10 officials full-time employees next season. As of now, all game officials are part-time employees. Responding to a question about consistency in officiating while speaking to a group of about 75 fans before Sunday's playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the proposal would bring a group of officials to the league offices in New York to help review game films and evaluate the calls. They then would be spread out among the crews at games."

Titans should start Matt Hasselbeck over Jake Locker, analysts say

January 15

Tennessean

"As he looked ahead to the 2012 season, Titans Coach Mike Munchak declared the starting quarterback position up for grabs between veteran Matt Hasselbeck and highly touted Jake Locker. It's easy to believe Munchak would consider making the transition to Locker, after the 2011 first-round pick spent his rookie year watching and learning behind Hasselbeck. But three national football analysts and former NFL players — all of whom covered the Titans at some point during the second half of the 2011 season — believe Hasselbeck should remain the starter, reasoning that his experience and savvy still make him a better choice than the team's quarterback of the future. "The way to look at this is"

Titans re-sign Craig Stevens

January 14

Tennessean

"Craig Stevens still drives the same vehicle he had in college — a white, 2003 Ford Ranger. It's a little more beat-up now, with dents and more than 83,000 miles on the odometer. Rewarded with a new four-year, $15 million contract from the Titans on Friday, the veteran tight end can certainly afford to upgrade his wheels. But it doesn't sound like he will. "Yeah, I've had some issues with it," Stevens said. "It's been squeaking real loud lately. Everybody gives me a hard time about it. … But I'm not getting rid of it. I'll probably drive it to 100,000 miles. I just like driving the thing. I'm comfortable in it. I've always had it." The Titans are clearly comfortable with Stevens, who could"

Titans get more time off in offseason

January 14

Tennessean

"Thanks to the NFL lockout, the Titans had no offseason in 2011. Thanks to the collective bargaining agreement that ended the lockout, offseason work will be a lot more limited in 2012 than it was in previous years. The Titans aren't scheduled to begin their offseason workout program until April 16 — about a month later than when they started under the old CBA. And instead of the 14 days of organized team activities regularly spread over the offseason, teams are now restricted to 10 days of such work. That means the Titans will conduct most of their on-field work in June, with fewer days in May. Despite the reduced calendar, Coach Mike Munchak said offseason work would do nothing but help"

Jeff Fisher's return to NFL excites former Tennessee Titans players

January 14

Tennessean

"Having come up short on the biggest stage of his professional career, a dejected Coach Jeff Fisher walked off the field after Super Bowl XXXIV as the other team celebrated. On Friday that other team — the St. Louis Rams — celebrated for a different reason. The longtime coach of the Titans finally decided to return to the sideline with the Rams instead of the Miami Dolphins. "Obviously it is ironic," said former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Carter, who played for the Rams in that Super Bowl and later played for Fisher with the Titans. "But I think for that reason, there is a tremendous amount of respect for Jeff Fisher, and the team that he assembled year after year. "Coach Fisher will bring"

Titans agree to contract extension with veteran tight end

January 14

Nashville City Paper

"Tight end Craig Stevens signed a contract extension with the Tennessee Titans on Friday, the team announced. The deal, which according to multiple reports is for four years, was struck roughly six weeks before Stevens, a third-round pick in 2008, was to become a free agent. "Craig is one of our young core guys for us," general manager Mike Reinfeldt said. "We will continue to see him improve into one of the better combo tight ends in the league.""

Titans need to hold onto Chris Johnson

January 13

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"It is an $8 million gamble. By mid-March, the Titans must decide whether to keep or cut Chris Johnson. If he's on the team's roster on the fifth day of the league year, Johnson gets his base salary of $8 million. If the Titans cut ties with him, Bud Adams doesn't have to write that check. Since it's Bud's money and not mine, I say pay the man. Look, you've already given him the keys to the vault so what's another $8 million among friends? Look, we're not talking about balancing the federal budget here. We're talking about compensating a player around which much of your offense is built. Is he worth it? Based on what happened this season, no. But this is where it gets tricky. Given the"

Shaun Smith knows he had subpar season

January 13

Tennessean

"The biggest-name free agent for the Titans — quarterback Matt Hasselbeck — made a big impact in 2011. The biggest free agent — 6-foot-2, 325-pound defensive tackle Shaun Smith — did not. And he knows it. "I didn't feel like I played to the ability that I should have. I didn't play at a high level," said Smith, who signed a three-year, $7.25 million contract on July 29. "When you evaluate, you have to evaluate everything, including yourself. When I look in the mirror and evaluate myself, I didn't have the success I wanted to have." Smith vowed to dedicate himself to improving and becoming more aggressive this offseason. That could go a long way in helping the Titans improve a run defense"

Jared Cook, Kenny Britt will be powerful receiving duo when healthy

January 11

Tennessean

"Tight end Jared Cook ended the 2011 season the same way wide receiver Kenny Britt started it — on a roll. The Titans plan on the duo being productive at the same time, for the first time, in 2012. It could make for an especially potent offense. "Hopefully it is only clear skies from here," Cook said. "We definitely have weapons on this team, there's no doubt about that. Now, it is just getting everyone on the same page and using them. I think this year was a step in the right direction at least." Britt and Cook have had their moments over the past two seasons, but so far the Titans have only been able to imagine the possibilities of what they could do on a consistent basis."

Titans deny Bears' request to interview QB coach

January 11

Chicago Tribune

"As expected, the Tennessee Titans shot down the Chicago Bears' request to interview quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains for a similar position, according to a league source. Loggains is under contract to the Titans and cannot make a lateral move without the team's permission. The Bears were interested in talking with Loggains about overseeing the passing game, as new offensive coordinator Mike Tice is in charge of the running game and the protections."

Rams interview second GM candidate in Titans' Dawson

January 10

NFL.com

"All eyes around the NFL are on the St. Louis Rams, a team in the midst of dual searches to fill two key front office positions. While the Rams have completed their courtship of Jeff Fisher and wait for his final decision, Tennessee Titans vice president/football operations Lake Dawson is interviewing with the organization this week to fill the general manager role, league sources told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Tuesday. Dawson spent one season in his current role for the Titans, his fifth overall with the team after joining the organization as the director of pro scouting."

Titans assistant accepts position at Penn State

January 8

Tennessean

"After serving as quality control coach for the Titans last season, Charles London knows all about doing the dirty work. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes breaking down film of upcoming opponents, always on call to provide information to any member of the offensive coaching staff. Now, London is prepared to do his part to clean up the mess at Penn State. When Bill O'Brien was named Penn State's new head coach on Saturday, London officially joined his staff as running backs coach. He's set to leave for State College, Pa., on Tuesday. "Our mind-set is we know there will be challenges, but a lot of the guys that were there had nothing to do with the scandal and it is a shame the"

Mike Munchak is game changer, Titans players say

January 8

Tennessean

"When Mike Munchak replaced Jeff Fisher as head coach of the Tennessee Titans last February, he had to wait to make an impression on his team. More than five months later, when he stood before his players for the first time after the NFL lockout, Munchak made it clear there would be changes. During the 2011 season, he followed through with his promise. And while there was no storybook ending to Munchak's first season — the Titans finished 9-7 but missed the playoffs — another thing became apparent: The fingerprints left behind by Fisher have faded. It's Munchak's team now. His mantra has been accountability, discipline and camaraderie. "He definitely changed the culture," fullback Ahmard"

Titans safety insists he'll help a team in 2012

January 7

Tennessean

"Titans safety Chris Hope lost his starting job in 2011 and is one of 18 players scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. As of right now, he's not sure what his NFL future holds. But the 10-year veteran plans on playing in 2012, and at a high level. "When I am healthy, I've always felt like I'm one of the best at my job,'' Hope said. "And I still feel that way. I still feel good, and I can still run. And I don't have a doubt in my ability and what I can bring to a team. Whoever gets me next year is going to get a healthy veteran that can play the game at a high level." Hope dealt with shoulder and forearm injuries in 2011 and missed six games as a result. When he returned"

Titans say staying busy in offseason will help

January 6

Tennessean

"They'd much prefer to be playing in the postseason, but as the Titans cleaned out their lockers earlier this week, they could at least look forward to what should be a far more productive offseason than last year. In 2011, the NFL lockout wound up cancelling all OTAs and mini-camps, which meant the Titans didn't start interacting with their new coaching staff until training camp began in late July. So a full complement of offseason practices should be especially beneficial for a team like Tennessee: Coordinators will be able to implement more plays than they could in a limited time last year; assistant coaches will do more teaching; young players will have more opportunity to grasp"

Experience, not record, fuels NFL owners' fascination with Fisher

January 6

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"In 12 months, Jeff Fisher has gone from directing the Titans to a 6-10 record and losing his job to the hottest commodity on the NFL coaching market. Nice work if you can get it. And Fisher can get it. Fisher already has interviewed for vacancies in Miami and St. Louis. He's making the rounds. Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville also have openings and Fisher's name has been linked to each of those teams. It doesn't stop there. There is speculation in Indianapolis that if Fisher were willing to take the job, Colts owner Jim Irsay would dump Jim Caldwell. If that happened, Fisher could roll out that Peyton Manning jersey he famously donned two years ago when he introduced Tony Dungy at a"

Titans say staying busy in offseason will help

January 6

Tennessean

"They'd much prefer to be playing in the postseason, but as the Titans cleaned out their lockers earlier this week, they could at least look forward to what should be a far more productive offseason than last year. In 2011, the NFL lockout wound up cancelling all OTAs and mini-camps, which meant the Titans didn't start interacting with their new coaching staff until training camp began in late July. So a full complement of offseason practices should be especially beneficial for a team like Tennessee: Coordinators will be able to implement more plays than they could in a limited time last year; assistant coaches will do more teaching; young players will have more opportunity to grasp"

Titans cut secondary coaches Marcus Robertson, Curtis Fuller

January 5

Tennessean

"The Titans parted ways with two assistant coaches on Wednesday, including a familiar name — secondary coach Marcus Robertson. The team also informed assistant secondary coach Curtis Fuller he will not be retained for next year. Robertson spent the past five seasons as an assistant coach. In all, he spent 19 years with the organization as a player, coach and front office member. Robertson just finished his third season as secondary coach. The Titans finished the season ranked 18th in total defense and 14th against the pass. They were ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in interceptions, however, with just 11."

And the awards go to ...

January 5

Tennessean

"Back in September, the Titans were good enough to beat the Ravens, one of the AFC's best teams. At the end of the 2011 season, they had also played poorly enough to lose to the NFL's worst team, the Indianapolis Cots. In between, however, the Titans ended up exceeding the expectations of most outsiders. They made the season interesting into the final weekend, only to be left home from the playoffs with a 9-7 record. "We are happy with a lot of things we did during the season,'' Coach Mike Munchak said. "But obviously the bottom line is to make the playoffs … and we didn't accomplish that. That's something that we were disappointed with because our expectations were that high." Now, the"

Titans coordinator Gray says he has interview with Bucs

January 5

Tampa Tribune

"Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jerry Gray finished up his playing career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1993. Now there is a chance he may start his head coaching career with the same team. Gray, who spent last season serving as the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, was expected to meet with the Bucs regarding their head coaching vacancy today or Thursday, according to an ESPN report. Bucs officials would not confirm the report, but Gray told ESPN he talked to the Bucs on Tuesday and was scheduled to fly into Tampa today and would meet with the team later in the day or Thursday."

Will Tennessee Titans reward Jason Jones for changing positions?

January 4

Tennessean

"The Titans' Jason Jones feels like he took one for the team during the 2011 season when he accepted a move from defensive tackle to defensive end. Whether that switch impacts his decision on signing a new deal with the Titans remains to be seen. Jones is one of 18 potential free agents on the current roster, a group that also may include names like Cortland Finnegan, Michael Griffin, Jordan Babineaux, Craig Stevens, Dave Ball and William Hayes when NFL contracts expire in March. Like most of his teammates, Jones says he's enjoyed his time here and would like to return. But the Titans' positional plans for him will play a role in choosing to come back to Nashville or move on. "That's"

Munchak's first season meant clarity, nearly playoffs for Titans

January 3

Nashville City Paper

""Everyone always wants to know where they stand," Mike Munchak said Monday afternoon. The Tennessee Titans know for certain that they are not a playoff team. That is about as much certainty as they have had at any time in the last 11 months. That reality was assured Sunday by a combination of results that accompanied their 23-22 victory over the Houston Texans. When all was said and done, had the New York Jets defeated the Miami Dolphins and everything else gone the way it did, the Titans would be preparing for the postseason. As such, they already officially are into their offseason, which involves a much greater degree of certainty than the last."

Many Tennessee Titans face uncertain futures in offseason

January 3

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"After cleaning out their lockers and doing exit interviews with the media on Monday, Michael Griffin and Jason Jones crossed paths near a door at the Titans' locker room. Jones: "See ya." Griffin: "All right, J.J. See ya in the next life, dog." One day after their season ended, Titans players went through the annual ritual of cleaning out their lockers and departing the team's headquarters. Some of them will not be back."

Mike Munchak defends Chris Johnson's drop in yards

January 3

Tennessean

"Titans Coach Mike Munchak acknowledged Monday that running back Chris Johnson might have lost a step through wear and tear over his four years, but Munchak said that was not the reason for the team's woeful rushing performance this season. The Titans finished second-to-last in the NFL in rushing this season, averaging just 89.9 rushing yards per contest. Johnson, who'd averaged close to 1,700 rushing yards the past two years, ran for only 1,047 yards this year. "You're always trying to have an answer as to why Chris Johnson didn't have 1,500 yards," Munchak said. "There's not one answer. There's a lot of answers."

Tennessee Titans will let Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Locker compete

January 3

Tennessean

"As the Titans parted ways for the offseason on Monday, Coach Mike Munchak didn't waste any time talking to his quarterbacks about plans for 2012. "That's not something they'd even want to talk about," Munchak said. "It would be like, 'Whoa, we just finished this one.' " With the 2011 season now officially in the rearview mirror, however, the Matt Hasselbeck-Jake Locker debate surely will start among fans after a year when the rookie played well in relief of the veteran quarterback."