Titans Hire New Offensive Coordinator

This week the Tennessee Titans took some steps to improve an offense that was one of the worst in the league. The Titans fired Norm Chow their offensive coordinator. Norm Chow had been the coordinator for three seasons. He took a Tennessee team that was 4-12 just a few years ago and turned them into a 10-6 team that made the playoffs for the first time in years. Despite this fact the Titans decided to part ways with Chow.

Norm Chow's firing came as a surprise to many fans. Although the Titans struggled offensively this year, they didn't exactly have a lot of offensive weapons. Quarterback Vince Young threw only nine touchdowns this years. While improvement is clearly needed, his crew of receivers to throw to is not exactly great. Receivers Justin Gage and Roydell Williams were among the best on team, but they are definitely not number one receivers. Chow did well considering he had an offense that relied heavily on the run. He also was working with a young quarterback in Young, who is clearly still developing.

Despite Chow's success, he is out. In is Mike Heimderdinger. Heimderdinger leaves his position at Denver as assistant head coach to return to Tennessee. Heimderdinger had a successful five year run with the Titans from 2000-2004 as their offensive coordinator. Although he left Tennessee to go to Denver, he left on good terms. Heimderdinger and head coach Jeff Fisher remained good friends after splitting ways. It's this friendship that has allowed Heimderdinger to return to Tennessee. Heimderdinger is well known by the current coach staff in Tennessee and should be welcomed with open arms.

Heimderdinger had lots of success in Tennessee during his first stay. He led the Titans to some of their highest scoring season in team history. The team had multiple playoff runs while he was on the staff. But if he is to have success again, Mike will need some major personnel changes on offense. This is not the same Titans teamed that had players like Steve McNair, Derrick Mason, Eddie George and Kevin Dyson. The Titans have a young quarterback who is still developing. Their biggest other offensive weapon is running back LenDale White, who has been criticized for his lack of commitment to physical fitness.

Look for the Titans to address the wide receiver position on offense. They have the number 25 pick in the NFL draft, so they may choose to address the position their. The more logical choice would be to bring in some free agents that have experience. Regardless of what they choose, the Titans will need to address this issue during the off season.

The return of Mike Heimderdinger is certainly welcome by most fans. He has a proven track record here in Tennessee. Without some new weapons on offense though, the Titans will not see much improvement. They must bring in some weapons to help their young quarterback on offense. If they do Heimderdinger could help this team to become very tough to beat.