Longtime Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans executive Steve Underwood is retiring.
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle first reported the news of Underwood’s retirement after 40 years of serving the organization.
It was then confirmed by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, who shared this statement from Underwood.
“I couldn’t be more pleased about where we are as a business and as a football operation. I am deeply grateful to the Adams family for giving me the opportunity and privilege of working for both franchises — the Titans and Oilers.”
Underwood will now serve as a special advisor to the team’s controlling owner, Amy Adams Strunk, who had this to say about Underwood’s retirement, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“Steve’s remarkable 40-yr Oilers/Titans career places him among the titans of professional sports executives. His dedication to our franchise is unmatched and I am glad he will remain with us as a Senior Counselor.”
The Titans also announced that Burke Nihill will be elevated to President/CEO in Underwood’s place after he was promoted to Senior Vice President/Business Operations and Chief Legal Officer back in February.
“When Steve informed me that he was ready to step away from a full-time role, it was immediately clear to me that Burke was the best choice for the job,” Adams Strunk said of Nihill. “Since starting with the club as the General Counsel, Burke has continued to take on additional responsibilities to the point that he has become an invaluable resource and an absolute superstar for our organization. I have great confidence in him and his leadership, and I know that the future is bright for the team.”
Underwood originally retired in 2011 before returning to the organization in 2015 when he was named the interim President and CEO. That interim tag was then removed in 2016.
Since his return, the Titans have righted the ship after a 3-13 season in 2015 and have finished 9-7 in each of the past four seasons. Two of those seasons have included playoff berths, with the 2019 campaign ending in a trip to the AFC Championship Game.
Underwood also had a hand in bringing in general manager Jon Robinson (2016) and head coach Mike Vrabel (2018), a pairing that has proven to be successful.
Prior to his retirement in 2011, Underwood served as Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and COO during his four decades with the franchise.
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