On the field, the Tennessee Titans are surely enjoying the exploits of recent first-round pick, franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota. Over the last two games, a win over the Saints and a loss against the Panthers, Mariota has thrown four touchdowns, one interception and now has a 98.3 quarterback rating on the season.
Off the field, the franchise apparently feels it's never too early to discuss possible head coaching candidates. And from the sounds of things, while interim head coach Mike Mularkey, who took the helm of the team after Ken Whisenhunt was fired earlier this season, has a shot at the gig full-time, fans of the team should look to the surging Cincinnati Bengals for the man who could be their next head coach.
Here's what NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport had to say on Thursday afternoon in regards to the top spot for the Titans:
Asked if Mike Mularkey can with the job with #Titans. He can. But… keep an eye on Hue Jackson, already generating some interest in Tenn.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2015
It’s early. But Hue Jackson is already a hot candidate. #Titans are interested. He would’ve joined Zimmer’s staff there if Zim got the job — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2015
With Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton taking a huge step forward and the entire Cincinnati offense humming, NFL owners across the league with young quarterbacks are likely licking their chops at the thought of adding a guy like Jackson.
Jackson, in his fourth season with the Bengals and second as offensive coordinator, has spent time as an offensive assistant with numerous organizations, entering the league as a running backs coach with the Washington Redskins and eventually working his way to the top spot with the Oakland Raiders.
Unfortunately, Jackson's stint with the Raiders was short-lived, thanks in large part to the franchise's decision to hire now-general manager Reggie McKenzie who chose to fire Jackson after an 8-8 season and install Dennis Allen.
With week 11 in the NFL looming, Jackson's Bengals offense is now ranked seventh in the league in total offense. They're fifth in the league in points per game (26.1) and seventh in yards per game (376.1).
But Jackson's best work has been with Dalton. Prior to this season, the 'Red Rider' had never amassed a quarterback rating better than 88.8. Through nine games in 2015, Dalton's rating is 104.6. He's thrown 196 completions for 2,423 yards, 18 touchdowns, five interceptions and is on pace to set career-highs in nearly every statistical category.
Dalton has simply looked like a different player this season and many around the league attribute that to Jackson's tutelage.
The Titans decision-makers are likely watching that development and thinking that under Jackson, Mariota, a player who possesses greater physical gifts than Dalton, could potentially make the same kinds of strides.
