Tennessee Titans: 30 greatest players in franchise history

• Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2001)
• Tennessee Titans No. 63 jersey retired
• NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
• 2x First-Team All-Pro (1987, 1991)
• 9x Pro Bowl (1984-85, 1987-93)
• 8x Second-Team All-Pro (1983-85, 1988-90, 1992-93)

Mike Munchak was the No. 8 overall pick by the Oilers in the 1982 NFL Draft out of Penn State. He not only ended up spending his entire NFL playing career with the franchise from 1982 to 1993, Munchak was on the coaching staff post-retirement all the way up until his firing as head coach in 2013. He has since been the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line coach in his native Pennsylvania.

As a second-year player in 1983, Munchak made his first of eight All-Pro Second-Teams with the Oilers. By year three in 1984, Munchak earned his first of nine career trips to the Pro Bowl as a member of the Houston professional franchise. Twice he was named first First-Team All-Pro with those nods coming in 1987 and 1991.

Overall, Munchak played in 159 games for the Oilers, making 156 starts predominantly at left guard for the organization. He kept Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon upright for 10 years and played on the same offensive line as fellow Pro Football Hall of Fame guard Bruce Matthews for 11 seasons.

With the Oilers having one of the most formidable offenses in the AFC in the 1980s, it was a no-brainer move for Munchak to be part of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. His No. 63 jersey has been retired by the Titans organization for his contributions to the club when they were located down in Houston.

In 2001, Munchak earned his rightful place in Canton as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He might have had two wait two years longer than expected, but there is no doubt what he meant to the Oilers offensive line during his 12 years as a player.

Immediately after retiring, Munchak joined the Oilers staff as a quality control coach in 1994. By 1997, he was named the franchise’s offensive line coach. This was a position he held until he was promoted to head coach in 2011.

In his three seasons as the Titans head coach, they went 22-26 and never qualified for the playoffs. Though may not an all-time head coach, Munchak is one of the best guards to ever play professional football. His spot on the Oilers/Titans’ Mount Rushmore is secure coming in at No. 3.