Report: Mike Mularkey to Join Tennessee Titans Coaching Staff
Former Jags HC Mike Mularkey informed Vikings he is not joining their staff. Will be the TE coach or QB coach for Titians under Whisenhunt
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 19, 2014
Dec 16, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey greets Jacksonville Jaguars fullback Montell Owens (24) in a game against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
What a difference in coaching staffs. With Mike Munchak, the Tennessee Titans had a head coach who had zero coordinator and play-calling experience. With Ken Whisenhunt, he’s adding Mike Mularkey—a two-time NFL head coach who’s well-respected as an offensive coordinator—as a position coach.
It’s all about who you know. Mularkey and Whisenhunt are connected from their Pittsburgh Steelers coaching days. Mularkey was the Steelers tight end coach (1996-00) before he was promoted to offensive coordinator (2001-03). He hired Whisenhunt as his tight ends coach. Whisenhunt took over as offensive coordinator when Mularkey accepted a head-coaching gig with the Buffalo Bills (2004-05).
Mularkey’s head-coaching experience includes two seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2004: 9-7. 2005: 5-11) and one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2012: 2-14). In-between that, Mularkey gained recognition as the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator (2008-11). He’s credited for the early development of Matt Ryan and much of their regular-season success that included three playoff berths in four seasons.
Mularkey would join a staff that includes newcomers such as Ray Horton, Lou Spanos and Jason Michael. Add in retained coaches such as Shawn Jefferson and Sylvester Croom? The Titans have the makings for a very nice coaching staff.
Can’t argue with Mularkey as a position coach. His experience should prove valuable to the quarterbacks or tight ends. Whisenhunt, Michael and Mularkey all elevated their careers as tight end position coaches. Lots of knowledge to go around to Delanie Walker, Taylor Thompson, Craig Stevens and any other tight end who makes the 2014-15 roster.
What do you think about the current coaching staff? Anyone else you’d like to see added? Give us your take in the comments, Twitter or Facebook.