Chris Palmer might not have called effective plays for the Titans offense this season, but he’s at least an efficient shopper.
Asked about his reaction to being fired last night, Palmer said he played the role of Santa Claus, handing Titans head coach Mike Munchak a gift and going on his way.
“I gave him his Christmas present, said Merry Christmas, and then left,’’ Palmer told Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean. ”There was nothing I could do at that point. The decision was made. I said, “OK” And I just left it at that.”
Palmer wasn’t pleased with the decision — Who ever is when they’re fired? — but didn’t appreciate the idea he was to blame for the Titans struggles, with second-year quarterback Jake Locker fighting through injuries and a group of young players in a transitional phase.
The Titans rank 24th in total offense, and a loss to the Jaguars was apparently too much to bear without offering someone up.
“I think when you break a quarterback in, you are going to be in a situation where you are going to have your ups and downs,’’ Palmer said. “Young quarterbacks, you have to go through this period. They just don’t step in and become great quarterbacks. It takes time to develop. And [wide receiver] Kenny Britt is not 100 percent. I just think there’s more issues than people want to admit to.
“Is it an easy process? No, it is not an easy process. It is something you just have to get through.
“But I wish them luck. . . . I respect those guys on the staff. Several of them are my friends and I hope it all works out for them. They have families and children, and I hope it works out for them.”
Asked about his replacement, quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains, Palmer was as diplomatic as possible.
“I thought he was doing a good job this year,’’ Palmer said. “Munch has known him for a longer period of time and they have a good feel for each other. But the issues are still there. I wish him luck.”
That’s the proverbial lump of coal in the stocking on his way up the chimney.