The Tennessee Titans are expected to name interim head coach Mike Mularkey their next head coach, and the plan is for a short-term extension, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
The Titans have reportedly interviewed Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Jacksonville Jaguars assistant head coach Doug Marrone, but Mularkey has consistently been considered the favorite to earn the job. Titans ownership has reportedly insisted to coaching candidates that they are not selling the franchise, but issues with the NFL over ownership structure could lead to litigation between the franchise and the league, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
The Titans finished tied for the worst record in the NFL at 3-13 and have the first pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Titans fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt after a 1-6 start, and Mularkey would lead the Titans to a 2-7 record down the stretch of the season.
Tennessee only earned one win in a weak AFC South division, and the front office is likely only giving Mularkey a short-term extension to see how his team performs given an entire offseason to prepare. The Titans are clearly in rebuilding mode, and many worry that multiple changes in quarterback Marcus Mariota's first couple seasons in the league could be detrimental.
The Heisman Trophy winning quarterback played well in his first season, throwing for 2,818 yards with 19 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Tennessee may have found it's franchise quarterback and their next head coach, but they clearly still have a ton of work to do before turning this team into a legitimate postseason contender. One of Mularkey's first jobs will be to find a new offensive coordinator that he believes fits his system.
