| Titans owner Bud Adams reportedly wants to meet with Mike Munchak before coaching decision is made. (US Presswire) |
Before Bud Adams turns 90 years old next week, the Tennessee Titans’ owner could make his second head coaching change in three years when he conducts an annual review of the coaching staff and management.
Adams told The Tennessean on Sunday that he wants to meet in person with coach Mike Munchak and members of the front office after the completion of the regular season. The meetings could determine whether the Titans (5-10) make major changes with the coaching and front office staffs before next season.
Munchak is unsure if Adams will be in attendance at LP Field for the Titans’ regular-season finale this week vs. Jacksonville. On Wednesday, Munchak and several of his players indicated they aren’t focused on the uncertainty surrounding the potential changes.
“The best that we can do is 6-10, and as far as me individually, I’ll just go from there,” Munchak said. “Whatever happens, happens when the game is over with. We’ll sit and talk, and see what direction we want to go.”
The defense had made significant strides in forcing sacks, interceptions and limiting opponents on third downs until last week’s 55-7 loss to the Packers. If defensive coordinator Jerry Gray isn’t retained for 2013, the Titans will have their third coordinator in four seasons.
“That’s not something I’m worried about,” CB Jason McCourty said. “That’s beyond our pay grade -- that’s up to the guys above us to determine all of that and get that situated.”
On offense, the Titans will decide whether to hire interim offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains full-time. Loggains was promoted from quarterbacks coach Nov. 26 when the Titans dismissed former offensive coordinator Chris Palmer. If Loggains does not return, the Titans will have their fourth offensive coordinator since 2010.
Loggains joined the Titans staff in 2009 as an offensive quality control coach before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2010.
"I have been here four years, knowing how he coaches and the kind of plays he draws up," WR Kenny Britt said. "He's been doing a good job since he took over. Sometimes it's hard to show that in the month that you've been in there."
Adams, who is in his 53rd year as the owner of the franchise, will celebrate his 90th birthday on January 3.
No Titans selected to the Pro Bowl: For the second straight season, the Titans didn’t have a player on the AFC Pro Bowl team. In 2010, WR Marc Mariani was on the AFC roster as a kick returner.
The biggest snub on the Titans’ roster may have been RB Chris Johnson. The fifth-year running back was beaten out by Ravens RB Ray Rice and Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles, who were named as reserves behind Texans RB Arian Foster. Johnson, who is ranked seventh in the NFL with 1,187 rushing yards, has 49 more than Rice.
But Rice has five more touchdowns than Johnson and more than 200 total yards. Charles became the leading rusher in the AFC on Sunday with 226 yards on 22 carries against the Colts.
Injury Update: Nearly 10 Titans missed Wednesday’s practice, but WR Kendall Wright returned on a limited basis. The Titans’ leading receiver missed Sunday’s loss at Green Bay after suffering what he described as a cracked rib in a 14-10 win over the Jets on Dec. 17.
TE Craig Stevens (concussion), RB Johnson (ankle), RB Jamie Harper (ankle), C Kevin Matthews (ankle) and WR Damian Williams (foot) were sidelined by injuries. On defense, LBs Colin McCarthy (concussion), LB Will Witherspoon (chest) and CB Ryan Mouton (hamstring) did not practice.
Munchak does not expect Johnson will miss Sunday’s season finale. Johnson has not missed a regular-season game since his rookie season in 2008.
All but one opponent determined for 2013 season: With one game left on the schedule, the Titans know their opponents for next season except one undetermined team from the AFC East. Tennessee is assured of a third-place finish in the AFC South and will face the third-place teams from the AFC North and East.
The Steelers are guaranteed to finish third in the AFC North, and the Dolphins, Jets or Bills could finish in third place in the East. When the Titans travel to Pittsburgh next season to face the Steelers it will be the third meeting between the teams in four years.
Tennessee will also play every team from the AFC West and each team from the NFC West. The Titans will host the 49ers and Cardinals at LP Field and will travel to St. Louis and Seattle to face the Rams and Cardinals, respectively.
2013 home opponents: Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Chiefs, Chargers, Cardinals, 49ers, Jets/Dolphins/Bills.
2013 away opponents: Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Broncos, Raiders, Rams, Seahawks, Steelers.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Tennessee Titans, follow Matt Rybaltowski @CBSTitans.