MIke Mularkey was the first head coach to take the Titans to the playoffs in nine seasons. Now they're looking for someone else to lead them on a return trip.
Mularkey, despite leading a big comeback victory at Kansas City in the wild-card round of the playoffs, is out as coach after Saturday's blowout divisional loss at New England. Mularkey and Tennessee officials reportedly "mutually decided to part ways" Monday.
That leaves the Titans diving late into a head-coaching search for 2018. The Raiders (Jon Gruden) and Bears (Matt Nagy) already have their guys. The Lions (Matt Patricia), the Colts (Josh McDaniels) and Giants (Pat Shurmur) are reportedly just waiting on theirs, maybe until after Super Bowl XLII.
The Cardinals, remain in competition, however, for the best remaining candidates. Here are five potential replacements the Titans should target:
John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach, Eagles
If the Titans were to consider a third offensive-minded option, the 39-year-old DeFilippo would make sense. He's done terrific work with Carson Wentz, a similarly talented No. 2 overall drafted passer to Mariota. After going through the wringer with Ken Whisenhunt and Mularkey, DeFilppo, like McDaniels, can offer long-term stability and efficiency for the Titans' franchise QB.
MORE: Mariota was injured during playoffs
Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator, Panthers
There is a connection here with a former Carolina front-office man, Ryan Cowden, already working with GM Jon Robinson. Wilks, 48, is the strongest candidate remaining, regardless of which side of the ball in which he specializes. Wlikes would bring a ton of energy and would be a player-friendly coach.
Matt LaFleur, offensive coordinator, Rams
LaFleur, 38, coached Matt Ryan to MVP status and turned Jared Goff into a top QB. Coming off the coaching trees of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, he also has the potential to take the Titans' offense into overdrive around Mariota.
Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator, Texans
The 42-year-old former star linebacker for the Steelers and Patriots was the Colts' first alternative to McDaniels. The Titans need to see him that way, too, and as strong candidate, period, despite his defensive-mindedness. Vrabel is a great motivator of young players, perfect for the rising Titans nucleus.
Although Vrabel missed LeBeau while he played in Pittsburgh, they would be a good personality fit together in Nashville.
Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator, Lions
Cooter was once a backup quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteeers, and after playing, he got a lot of good coaching support from Peyton Manning. He grew up a little more than an hour down the road from Nashville in Fayetteville, Tenn. Beyond the local connection, Cooter, 33, could be ready for his big jump on the sidelines in a move that would parallel the Rams getting McVay for Goff last season. He did wonders with Matthew Stafford and can be great for Mariota, too.
