The Tennessee Titans and Mike Mularkey couldn't agree on how to build off the team's first playoff berth since 2008 and become a true NFL contender. That job will now fall to a new coach.
The Titans split with Mularkey on Monday after he revived a team with the NFL's worst record over two seasons and led them to their first playoff victory in 14 years. The Titans announced the move two days after a 35-14 loss to New England in the AFC divisional round.
"It became evident that we saw different paths to achieve greater success," owner Amy Adams Strunk said.
Mularkey had one year left on his contract and refused to discuss his status Sunday. But he said he had talked with Strunk and was ready to move "full speed" ahead. Mularkey also defended offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie's play-calling with quarterback Marcus Mariota and said his coaching staff would be back.
Strunk said Monday she talked with Mularkey about extending his contract over the past week since a 22-21 comeback win against Kansas City in the wild-card round. Mularkey is the first coach let go after winning a playoff game since San Francisco fired Steve Mariucci after the 2002 season.
"It is certainly unfortunate that we couldn't find enough common ground," she said. "I generally believe that continuity is the best path for success, but I also view this as an important moment for our football team as we try to make that next step to sustained success on the field."
McDaniels to Colts?
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the Colts reportedly are "close" to reaching a deal that would make McDaniels their next head coach.
Even if they did reach a deal, though, league rules prohibit the Colts from making an official announcement until after the Patriots' season ends. New England will host Jacksonville in Sunday's AFC Championship game. If the Pats win, the announcement wouldn't come until at least Feb. 5.
