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Matt LaFleur didn't become Titans coach, but year in Tennessee still paid off
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Despite making it to the divisional round of the 2017 playoffs, Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson decided the franchise needed to go in a different direction.
Coach Mike Mularkey was fired after losing 35-14 to the New England Patriots. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota had arguably his worst season, with a career-high 15 interceptions and a career-low QB rating (79.3).
The ensuing coaching search included an interview with Matt LaFleur -- a young offensive coordinator who, along with coach Sean McVay, re-energized a Los Angeles Rams team that had finished 4-12 in 2016.
Robinson also interviewed Mike Vrabel, who had just completed his first season as the Houston Texans' defensive coordinator. Robinson was searching for certain qualities, including being a "leader of men, team-first, detailed, tough and dependable." Ultimately, Vrabel was granted the opportunity to take the Titans to the next level.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Despite making it to the divisional round of the 2017 playoffs, Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson decided the franchise needed to go in a different direction.
Coach Mike Mularkey was fired after losing 35-14 to the New England Patriots. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota had arguably his worst season, with a career-high 15 interceptions and a career-low QB rating (79.3).
The ensuing coaching search included an interview with Matt LaFleur -- a young offensive coordinator who, along with coach Sean McVay, re-energized a Los Angeles Rams team that had finished 4-12 in 2016.
Robinson also interviewed Mike Vrabel, who had just completed his first season as the Houston Texans' defensive coordinator. Robinson was searching for certain qualities, including being a "leader of men, team-first, detailed, tough and dependable." Ultimately, Vrabel was granted the opportunity to take the Titans to the next level.
Ryan Tannehill found his team, now the Dolphins need to find their QB
There is always some difficulty in watching your ex achieve success immediately after leaving you, but Dolphins fans shouldn't be bitter or angry at Tannehill for his accomplishments with the Titans. Instead, Tannehill should be cheered for putting his best into playing for the Dolphins, despite obstacles with his health and his lack of playoff success.
At the NFL owners meetings last March, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was resolute in describing why the Dolphins traded Tannehill to Tennessee: "I love Ryan. But you're right, how many years? It was time to move on."
Even in retrospect, Ross is right. It was best for the Dolphins and Tannehill to part ways after seven years and a 42-46 record. Both sides needed a fresh start.
There is always some difficulty in watching your ex achieve success immediately after leaving you, but Dolphins fans shouldn't be bitter or angry at Tannehill for his accomplishments with the Titans. Instead, Tannehill should be cheered for putting his best into playing for the Dolphins, despite obstacles with his health and his lack of playoff success.
At the NFL owners meetings last March, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was resolute in describing why the Dolphins traded Tannehill to Tennessee: "I love Ryan. But you're right, how many years? It was time to move on."
Even in retrospect, Ross is right. It was best for the Dolphins and Tannehill to part ways after seven years and a 42-46 record. Both sides needed a fresh start.