NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Titans hired Mike Mularkey as permanent head coach Saturday.
After spending the last two months as interim coach, the team’s ownership became convinced he’s up for the task at hand.
“Mike is a quality coach and an outstanding person who will help us build this team the right way,” said Controlling Owner and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors Amy Adams Strunk.
Mularkey said he is “honored” to be hired. “I am going to give all that I have to make this team successful and make our city and fans proud.”
The new coach knows what he’s up against, adding “There is plenty of work to be done until we reach our goal, but myself, the coaches and the players are going to work tirelessly to get us there.”
Mularkey has a total of 21 years of NFL coaching experience and joined the Titans in 2014.
Players were positive about the change.
“Hopefully Mularkey can come back and we add some pieces here and there and have a full season to implement his coaching style, his coaching philosophy and his scheme,” linebacker Brian Orakpo said.
Brett Kern tweeted his excitement Saturday:
Tayler Lewan called Mularkey “a phenomenal head coach,” adding “he definitely made us all want to play really hard for him. He is a great guy and a great coach. I have so much respect for mike.”
Mularkey is the 18th coach in Titans history.