Titans “promoted” the wrong position coach to Defensive Coordinator

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 01: Inside linebackers coach Tyrone McKenzie of the Tennessee Titans watches game action during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tennessee defeats Indianapolis 31-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 01: Inside linebackers coach Tyrone McKenzie of the Tennessee Titans watches game action during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tennessee defeats Indianapolis 31-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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Tennessee Titans outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen, left, and head coach Mike Vrabelon on Aug. 24, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn.Ap Virus Outbreak Nfl Football S Fbn File Usa Tn
Tennessee Titans outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen, left, and head coach Mike Vrabelon on Aug. 24, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn.Ap Virus Outbreak Nfl Football S Fbn File Usa Tn

Titans terrible DC decision.

Mike Vrabel was faced with a tough choice when he was tasked with deciding who the next Defensive Coordinator of the Tennessee Titans would be. Unfortunately, he completely failed and picked the worst option available.

Last year the Titans had to replace a retiring Dean Pees, and at the time I thought it was a great chance for them to move away from the more conservative play-calling that had plagued the defense for the better part of 2019.

In hindsight, it turns out that the rare glimpses or aggression were probably from Dean Pees and Mike Vrabel tried to push his own mantra on defense. Somehow Pees was able to make this work and I didn’t give him enough credit at the time, consider this my wholehearted apology.

How did we get here though? Well, the best place to start is right after the retirement was announced.

Mike Vrabel clearly wanted to keep continuity with his coaching staff, which I don’t hate. There is something to be said about promoting a culture in the organization where a coach who does a great job can be rewarded for loyalty down the line.

Sticking with that mentality, there were four coaches who should have been considered. Let’s start with the most obvious choice.

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