Mike Munchak: Winning Last 2 Games Shouldn’t Impact 2014 Status
November 24, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak instructs against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
But should it? Will it?
This season is a lost cause. After losing a Week 15 matchup to the Arizona Cardinals, the Tennessee Titans were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. They’ll wrap up their schedule against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) and Houston Texans (2-12). The Texans have lost 12 consecutive games. Of course, their last win came against the Titans in Week 2.
How much credibility can a head coach build with victories against these teams? It’s not as much about strengthening his case as it is about stopping the bleeding. The Titans have an 0-4 divisional record in an AFC South that has three teams fighting for Top 10 picks, possibly two Top 5 and the No. 1 overall. They’ve lost nine of their last 10 divisional games.
Titans president and CEO Tommy Smith has talked about where he stands. According to The Tennessean, here were some of his comments:
"“I’m disappointed because I like winning. I don’t like losing. We’re not in the losing business. We’re in the winning business. It’s nice to be competitive and say you got close. … We’re not into that. I’m happy with the talent we brought in, so from a dollar standpoint I think we got value worth there, but we’ve got a lot of work to do.”"
Almost doesn’t count. Titans fans know that better than anybody else. One point less is one point less. One yard short is one yard short.
Smith has two weeks to determine whether Munchak deserves another season. Losing either of the last two games should signal the flat-lining of the Munchak era.
If Tennessee wins these last two games? Unfortunately for Coach Munchak, he may have already bled out too much to save himself.
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