Titans owner Bud Adams hasn’t always been good at holding back his feelings.
But you can’t say he’s not capable of holding a grudge.
After firing senior executive vice president and COO Mike Reinfeldt yesterday, the reasons why remained up in the air (especially since he was still working when the news broke).
As it turns out, it was a nearly year-old slight that may have been the biggest factor in his losing his job.
According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean, conversations with Adams and others gave him the distinct impression the single biggest reason Reinfeldt’s out of work was the failed pursuit of Peyton Manning last offseason.
Adams was clear about his desire to land the former University of Tennessee quarterback when he was a free agent, but felt Reinfeldt didn’t act quickly enough or at all when asked to make it happen. Wyatt said Adams has “held it against him ever since.”
Adams sent the message he wasn’t even sure if Reinfeldt passed along his wishes to general manager Ruston Webster or coach Mike Munchak, tacitly preferring to stick with Jake Locker and Matt Hasselbeck.
Manning turning in an MVP-caliber season while the Titans finished 6-10 didn’t help make Adams forget.
It’s easy to characterize Adams as a bit off-center, and sort of a lovable, old crank. But he’s still the boss, and ignoring the boss is never a good idea.