Conflicting reports on Tennessee’s front office are seemingly coming out on a weekly basis. Boston reporters made claims that the Titans and Patriots were interested in a trade that would send HC Mike Vrabel to New England. Nashville reports countered with reports that Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk remains committed to Mike Vrabel as the long-term coach for the Titans. Boston reports have struck back with further claims of a messy situation and power struggle in Nashville, and speculation that Mike Vrabel wants out.
Is Ran Carthon A Figurehead?
When Carthon moved into his new office, Mike Vrabel was already in place and he was not being fired. While many new GM hires come with the authority to put their own coach in place, it wouldn’t make sense to fire him less than 12 months after winning NFL Coach of the Year honors.
However, surely the general manager has the authority to build the roster through the draft, free agency, and trades, right? From the first introductory interview, there were signs that GM Ran Carthon was not being granted those privileges, either. When asked if he was able to make personnel decisions, he replied “I don’t think (final say) matters.”
Control Issues At The Top?
There have been signs of dysfunction, indecisiveness, and control issues from Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk in the past, but most fans ignored them because they agreed with her decisions. After Mike Mularkey took the Titans to a playoff victory over the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium, it was announced an extension was being put in place to solidify Mularkey as the head coach. Less than a week later, it was announced Mularkey had been fired. Soon after, it was learned Mularkey’s job security changed because of refusals to make changes to his assistant coaches.
This opened the door for Mike Vrabel to become the head coach. In the days that followed, it was heavily impressed upon him to hire Matt LaFleur as his offensive coordinator, who had finished in 2nd place in the team’s search for a new head coach.
Now, claims are made that the team’s GM doesn’t have the authority to make roster moves or changes to the coaching staff.
Who’s Really In Charge?
If a Karen wants to speak to the manager about the team’s lack of results, where should she direct her call? We may get an answer in January if the intel in Boston is accurate. They say winning is the best deodorant. When the Titans and Colts kick off on Sunday, it will be 382 days since the last time the Titans won back-to-back games. A 2-game win streak could go a long way toward easing tension in Nashville.
