The positive signs for Mike Munchak's future with the Tennessee Titans turned out to be short lived.
The Titans fired Munchak on Saturday, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a team source. ESPN first reported the firing.
Munchak compiled a 22-26 record in three seasons as head coach. He has been with the organization for 32 seasons -- since the Houston Oilers drafted the Hall of Fame offensive lineman in 1982.
It's not just Munchak losing his job either, NFL Media's Albert Breer reported. Titans assistant coaches have been informed they won't be retained either. There will be a whole new crew next year in Tennessee.
As late as Friday evening indications suggested Munchak might keep his job, assuming some adjustments were made with his assistant coaching staff.
According to Rapoport, Munchak could have kept his job if he were willing to make changes to his staff. Gregg Williams becoming defensive coordinator was one change and firing offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains was another change Titans brass insisted upon, Rapoport reported.
The Titans' decision-makers were specifically displeased with the direction of the offense, believing Loggains became too pass happy when the organization was built to deploy a power running game.
The Titans stumbled to a 7-9 finish after starting the season 3-1. The offense was inconsistent and the defense did not live up to its solid personnel. Losing quarterback Jake Locker to two separate injuries didn't help Munchak's cause. The Titans were 4-2 in games in which the third-year pro quarterback took the majority of snaps.
Titans started 3-1 and were tied for first place in two of his three seasons (2011 and 2013), but never finished with more than nine wins.
Munchak is the first head coach with the Oilers/Titans franchise to finish his tenure (including playoffs) with a losing record since Hugh Campbell, the head coach in 1984 to 1985 (8-22).
According to Rapoport, Munchak was well liked within the organization, but it wasn't enough to keep him employed in Tennessee.
