The stellar 2017 NFL season for the Tennessee Titans came to an underwhelming end after their loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round. Now the departure of head coach Mike Mularkey has left the Titans with more questions than answers entering the offseason.
Among those still waiting to decide their fate is defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. According to Jason Wolf of the Tennessean, LeBeau is waiting to see what course of action Tennessee will be taking before making his decision on what to do next:
Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau probably “would be comfortable retiring if it doesn't work out in Tennessee” but is taking a “wait and see” approach to the team’s coaching search and whether he's asked to return before making any decision about next season, according to a source with direct knowledge of his thinking.
LeBeau's patient approach may come as a bit of a surprise considering he is the oldest coach in the league at 80 years of age. However, it does not seem as if he has many options at this point.
Fortunately, he has become accustomed to playing the waiting game. LeBeau came to the Titans as a member of former head coach Ken Whisenhunt's staff. Once Whisenhunt was released, Mularkey took over up until his recent departure. The remaining staff is still under contract through the 2018 NFL season.
LeBeau is credited with coining the “zone blitz” which has become a staple of every defensive playbook in today's game. Furthermore, he helped the Titans become one of the league's most stout run defenses this year after finishing fourth in terms of yards allowed.
Follow Us
Subscribe