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Tennessee Titans coach rumors: 5 top candidates

By Brad Berreman

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 24: Head Coach Mike Mularkey of the Tennessee Titans on the sidelines during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Rams defeated the Titans 27-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 24: Head Coach Mike Mularkey of the Tennessee Titans on the sidelines during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Rams defeated the Titans 27-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images /

1. Josh McDaniels – New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator

There’s an argument the Titans should have hired McDaniels two years ago, rather than simply elevating Mularkey to the full-time position after he replaced Ken Whisenhunt as interim head coach in the middle of the 2015 season. But general manager Jon Robinson will get a second chance now, with common ties to the Patriots as an easy connection with McDaniels.

McDaniels is believed to be the No. 1 candidate for the Indianapolis Colts, and the New York Giants also reportedly have him as a proverbial finalist for their head coaching opening. But now that the Titans’ job is open, after the back-and-forth with Mularkey’s status, McDaniels may have a clear preference.

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McDaniels may be ready to make the jump out of Bill Belichick’s shadow, especially if the current structure in New England is as in doubt as the controversial ESPN article portrayed. His bad first stint as a head coach with the Denver Broncos is a distant memory, and the Titans should see McDaniels as the best man to get Mariota back on track in short order.