The Titans changed coaches at the start of the offseason, firing Mike Munchak after three seasons and hiring Ken Whisenhunt in hopes of getting back to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
That coaching change preceded free agency, which Titans CEO Tommy Smith says the team has used to bring in players that will help Whisenhunt implement his schemes while also building on the strengths already in place in Tennessee. Smith feels like “we’ve gotten better” and likes “the direction we’re heading” after signing players like Dexter McCluster, Michael Oher and Shaun Phillips.
"[General Manager] Ruston [Webster] has done an excellent job with the talent he has brought in here, and the mix is good. And it’s at positions where we needed more competition, and to upgrade. These are quality people and players, and they will bring character to the locker room,” Smith said, via Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. “Ken is bringing in a new offensive and defensive scheme, so these players that we have added will help complement the guys on the existing roster, but will also allow him to implement his brand of football. It all meshes very well.”
Among the moves Smith believes will allow Whisenhunt to implement his style of football is the signing of Charlie Whitehurst as a backup quarterback who knows Whisenhunt’s offense from their time together in San Diego and can run the offense until Jake Locker is back to 100 percent after foot surgery. The CEO was less forthcoming when it came to running back Chris Johnson, whose status Smith wouldn’t discuss amid expectations that the team will trade or release him in the near future.