The Titans plan to interview interim coach Mike Mularkey late this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The interview will likely take place on Thursday, says Rapoport, who adds that Mularkey is still the clear front-runner for the job. Ex-Bills head coach Doug Marrone could also get an interview towards the end of the week, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com tweets.
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So far, former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz and former Falcons head coach Mike Smith have been mentioned as candidates. Ex-Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels also reportedly have interest in the job. Still, Mularkey, Marrone, and Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin are the only candidates known to have interviews on the docket.
In 2015, the Titans sunk to a 3-13 record, despite rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota serving as a distinct bright spot. In November, the Titans canned Ken Whisenhunt and appointed Mularkey as the team’s interim coach. Mularkey previously served as Tennessee’s assistant head coach and tight ends coach. The veteran coach has a pair of head coaching jobs on his resume, having held the role in Buffalo in 2004 and 2005, then again in Jacksonville in 2012.
Marrone, who led the Bills to a 9-7 record in 2014, narrowly missing a playoff spot, opted out of his contract following the team’s final regular season game. Marrone’s agreement with the Bills allowed him to receive his full $4MM salary for 2015 despite the fact that he’s no longer coaching the team. In January of 2015, Marrone agreed to sign on as the Jaguars’ offensive line coach. Now, he’s eyeing a head coaching gig for 2016.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
As a Buffalo Bills fan, I truly feel sorry for the Titans.
If Bills GM Whaley was the one that structured the Marrone contract so that he could quit and still get paid, it’s one more reason they should have him,(Whaley), not given him an extension. Kelly reunited with Mariota seems like a no brainer if he wants the Jax job. Just don’t give personnel control.