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.