Mike Munchak interviewed for the head-coaching job at Penn State today. Unless he didn’t.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported that Munchak would be interviewing for the job vacated by Bill O’Brien, the new coach of the Houston Texans. Munchak tells Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean that the 32-year employee of the Oilers/Titans franchise didn’t interview with Penn State on Sunday. Instead, Munchak spent the day cleaning out his office at the Titans’ facility.
Munchak also disputed the idea that he was fired because he refused to make changes to his staff.
“It’s not like ‘Munch isn’t here anymore because he wouldn’t fire two guys,’” Munchak said. “In my eyes, there was more to it than that. . . . I stand up four guys who are good coaches. It bothers me when people say I’m not here because I didn’t want to fire my friends.”
Munchak also disputes the idea that he provoked his termination.
“I wanted to be here,” Munchak said. “I have been here for 30 years. These jobs are hard to come by. . . . I know a lot of people might not have been happy if I was back. But I had a plan and I believed it was going to work.”
He also knows that his days of being an NFL head coach are likely over.
“I know the chance of me being a head coach again in the NFL aren’t that great,” Munchak said. “Most guys get one shot at it.”
The next question is whether Munchak will now get a shot at taking over at his alma mater. While the interview may not have happened Sunday, there’s always a chance he’ll interview on Monday.
Unless he doesn’t.