Titans head coach Mike Mularkey upset by reports questioning his job security
Sunday 7 January 2018 13:44, UK
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey admitted he was upset by “ridiculous” reports that he could be fired if his team lost their AFC wildcard playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Titans produced a stunning comeback on Saturday in Kansas City as they came back from an 18-point deficit to win 22-21 and advance to the next round.
It was a timely victory for Mularkey in the wake of reports earlier in the day that he would be fired if the Titans lost.
"I don't think it is fair to my family," Mularkey said. "It has an effect on my family and it has an effect on me. So yeah, I would it had a big effect on me."
When asked if he felt secure regardless of the outcome in the game, Mularkey replied: "No, I have not had any support to say that I was so I just assumed the worst."
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The Titans were the fifth seed in the AFC after finishing with a 9-7 record.
But third-year quarterback Marcus Mariota, the second overall pick in 2015, regressed as he threw for 3,232 yards with 13 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and a passer rating of 79.3, which was 35th among quarterbacks with more than 20 passing attempts.
That is despite Tennessee spending the No 5 overall pick in the 2017 draft on wide receiver Corey Davis, while also adding Eric Decker in free agency.
In his second season, Mariota threw for 3,426 yards with 26 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a passer rating of 95.6.
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The Titans are reportedly one of a number of teams keen to hire New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as their head coach in the hope he can aid Mariota's development.
Tennessee general manager Jon Robinson is the Patriots former director of college scouting so he McDaniels is someone he knows well.
