Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota basically has the keys to the franchise, but Mariota told PFT Live Thursday that he didn’t want to be involved with the team’s head coaching search.
“I didn’t want any input or anything like that,” Mariota said. “They did ask. They asked about Chip Kelly, about Coach (Mike) Mularkey. They obviously asked my opinions about people here and there but I wanted them to make their own decision.”
Kelly was linked to the opening because he coached Mariota at Oregon, and because Mariota’s athletic gifts fit Kelly’s scheme. The Titans ended up promoting Mularkey, who was the interim coach following Ken Whisenhunt’s firing, to full-time head coach. Kelly was hired as head coach by the 49ers.
Mariota said he’s looking forward to getting back to work with a revamped offensive staff and whatever new personnel additions the Titans make, which will include the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.
But the reserved Mariota said he’s not looking to have any input on that pick, either, and is anxious to improve from his rookie season.
“I’m my hardest critic. I’d probably give myself a ‘C’ for my rookie year,” Mariota said. “I have to improve my ball security. Taking care of the ball in the pocket is one of things I can do better.
“I’m working on just digesting all the different defenses and getting more familiar with them. There are things I can build on and develop. The coaches want me to play how I know to play. I haven’t changed my mentality.”
Mariota started 12 games in his rookie season. He threw for 2,818 yards and 19 touchdowns and was intercepted 10 times.