Tennessee Titans: Lovie Smith is the Perfect Fit at DC

Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith reacts to play against the Detroit Lions during 2nd Half of a game at Ford Field. Bear won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans haven’t parted ways with their defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and it’s possible that they don’t, but this post is about if they do. The Titans struggled to find an identity this year and gave up a franchise worst 471 points.

While I, however insanely so, am okay with the Titans keeping Jerry Gray on as their DC, many are not and it feels like a matter of time until Gray is shown the door.

Unlike when the Titans completely scrapped their staff a few seasons ago, there’s actually some good coaching talent available this time.

So let’s get down to business. Lovie Smith is a perfect fit for the Titans if they want to bring in a new DC. From his scheme down to his calm personality, he would be a great fit with the Titans. Munchak would love the attitude he’d bring and he’d fit right in with the Titans professional attitude.

He’d also bring the Tampa Two, or perhaps a hybrid of it, something the Titans defense is already built for. Here’s an great visual from ESPN, though it also shows the flaw with the ever evolving two TE sets: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8392529/chicago-bears-minnesota-vikings-only-teams-using-cover-2-defense-espn-magazine.

Nov 11, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) reacts after making a play against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

While the Tampa Two is getting a bit outdated, it’s hard to argue with something the Bears have used so effectively. It also encourages the safeties to hit hard, something I know we’ve all been missing from the Titans defense. Adding a player, say Flordia Gator safety Matt Elam, seems like a good move for that type of defense seems as Elam is a hard hitter and the Titans are desperate for another decent safety.

Another bonus of bringing in Lovie would be the likely-hood of the Titans being able to bring in veteran MLB Brian Urlacher, who while aged could be a great mentor to the Titans up-and-coming linebackers.

Smith’s defense also provides an aggressive approach to turnovers as the Titans learned when Bears CB Charles Tillman forced four fumbles when the two teams met in in early November.

Any way I look at it, it’s hard to find a negative.

I’m not suggesting the Titans fire Jerry Gray because I believe his ever evolving scheme is actually gaining some ground, but if they should, Lovie Smith would be the perfect replacement.

That is, if he doesn’t become a head coach some where else.

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart