Munchak hired to coach Titans

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

A usually conservative Mike Munchak showed off much more of his personality Monday at his first news conference as head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

He made jokes about how he expected a gold watch after 30 years with the franchise, how it will be easier for his mother to see him on the sideline now and even poked fun at his quiet manner.

“This is my excited face,” Munchak said at one point.

The new coach also made one thing very clear: Change is coming, even though he coached under Jeff Fisher the past 14 seasons.

“I’m going to be my own man, and I’ll be judged by what I do and not what was done before me. I’m not looking here to blame anybody about what was left for me,” Munchak said. “I think it’s a great opportunity here with what we have, and I think I’m the guy to pick up the pieces and hopefully get us in the right direction.”

Munchak is the franchise’s 16th head coach. Neither he or the Titans would comment on his new contract.

The Titans decided to promote from within to replace Fisher after a 6-10 season. Owner Bud Adams called the move a special day for the franchise as Munchak became the first former player to coach the team.

“He has been a hard worker, and he has only known success and how to achieve success,” Adams said by telephone from his Houston office. “He made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He has the respect of people he played with and those who have played for him. He is a smart football man and leader who will guide us again into the playoffs.”

Munchak was the first man interviewed to replace Fisher and had been considered the top candidate for the job.

This is the first head coaching job for Munchak, who turns 51 in March.