Mike Munchak’s attempts to turn around the Tennessee Titans do not involve looking back.
According to reports Tuesday, Munchak fired tight ends coach John Zernhelt. One of the final holdovers from Jeff Fisher’s staff, Zernhelt had one year remaining on his contract.
Outside of Munchak, only offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, special teams coach Alan Lowry and strength and conditioning coach Steve Watterson remain from Fisher’s time as coach.
Zernhelt, the tight ends coach since 2006, became the second offensive assistant fired this offseason. Last week, Munchak informed running backs coach Jim Skipper that his contract would not be renewed.
Under Zernhelt, Craig Stevens developed a reputation as one of the top blocking tight ends in the NFL. Since Stevens was drafted in the third round in 2008, however, the franchise has focused on more speedy, receiving threats at that position with the selections of Jared Cook (third round, 2009) and Taylor Thompson (fifth round, 2012).
There has been no official word from the franchise regarding the changes to the coaching staff or on a timetable to hire replacements.