It’s already been quite the offseason for the Tennessee Titans, with the latest departure from the coaching staff being inside linebacker coach Tyrone McKenzie.
It was unclear as to why McKenzie’s name was removed from the online coaching staff list earlier in the week — a situation that became much less muddy when it was announced on Wednesday that McKenzie was leaving Mike Vrabel’s squad for a position with Matt Patricia and the Detroit Lions.
This makes sense, with the connection between the two back in McKenzie’s days with the Patriots.
As to why the Titans and McKenzie chose to go their separate ways was still in question early Wednesday, but it seems the decision was a mutual one.
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Wednesday night, ESPN’s Turron Davenport reported that McKenzie was not fired by the team.
I'm told by multiple sources the split between Titans and former ILB coach Tyrone McKenzie was mutual. He was not fired. It was a mutual decision. Tennessee's LBs, especially 6th-rnd pick David Long Jr. made progress under McKenzie. Now he'll work with… https://t.co/lGcQxFajDu
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 30, 2020
McKenzie really gave the Titans no reason to want him gone, given the strong performances of the position group he coached on a season in which the Titans saw their first AFC Championship Game appearance since 2002.
Players like Jayon Brown, David Long and Rashaan Evans were a large factor in Tennessee’s defensive success, and continually improved throughout the year.
McKenzie originally joined the Titans in 2018.