The Tennessee Titans have hired San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt as head coach, ESPN reported Monday evening.
The hire comes as a bit of a surprise. Whisenhunt, according to earlier reports, was considered to be the favorite to replace Jim Schwartz in Detroit, while Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was believed to be the frontrunner to take over in Tennessee, but there was indications that the Titans were eager to fill the position and were unable to interview Quinn until the Seahawks’ playoff run was over.
Whisenhunt spent the past season as the offensive coordinator in San Diego, but previously was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals from 2007-12, and in 2008 took the team to the Super Bowl. Prior to that, he was the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2004-06.
Whisenhunt was one of four coaches to interview for the head coaching gig, formerly held by Mike Munchak. In addition to Whis, Cincinnati Bengals coordinators Mike Zimmer and Jay Gruden, as well as Jim Caldwell, were being considered.
Whisenhunt was a candidate for the Titans, Lions, and Cleveland Browns, and with his decision Monday, it is believed the other coaching dominos will fall in place soon after. According to ESPN, Caldwell, the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator and former Indianapolis Colts head coach, emerged to the top of the candidates list for the Lions.
