Titans Notes: Ken Whisenhunt’s Contract, Coordinator Options

ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that the Titans signed new HC Ken Whisenhunt to a guaranteed contract that will keep him in place for more than four years.

• Werder mentions that Whisenhunt impressed was with Titans GM Ruston Webster and preferred the “contract and influence” with Tennessee than the Lions’ cap situation.
• Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com reports that the Titans paid Whisenhunt $1 million more in annual salary than what the Lions offered. (Update: 3:05 pm)
• For perspective, Werder adds that coaches tend to receive four-year contracts, but typically don’t guarantee them.
• Ian Rapoport reports that Chan Gailey could be an option for Whisenhunt’s offensive staff along with John McNulty as a position coach.
  • Rapoport adds that Whisenhunt’s could also target Steelers LB coach Keith Butler as his defensive coordinator.
• Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com reports that former Buccaneers QBs coach John McNulty is “just about a sure thing” to become the Titans next offensive coordinator. (Update: 2:31 pm)

Many wondered why Whisenhunt would take the Titans job over the Lions given that Detroit has a franchise quarterback in place with the games best receiver and arguably better talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Jason La Canfora mentioned Monday night that the Titans spent some “big boy money” to land Whisenhunt, which coincides with Werder’s report.

Whisenhunt will have his work cut out for him, but the Titans have made an obvious commitment to giving him the necessary time to get this team on a better foundation.