NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mike Munchak has hired veteran coach Tom Moore to help the Tennessee Titans after firing offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and giving the job to Dowell Loggains.
Munchak said Thursday the 32-year-old Loggains will call the plays starting Sunday when the Titans (4-7) host Houston (10-1). But Loggains had been the quarterbacks coach, and Munchak said they needed more help in the building. Munchak called it a spur of the moment idea knowing Moore was available and the Titans could use some help.
"I didn't want to overwhelm any of our coaches, where to ask Dowell to do all of that work and then call the game and then coach the quarterbacks and then do this and do that, and do scripts," Munchak said. "It's a lot of work, so we thought if we had someone else here that could help in certain areas, that would help. I thought of Tom and gave him a call."
Munchak talked to Moore on Tuesday night, and the 74-year-old arrived in Nashville on Wednesday. Moore was on the field for Thursday's practice, working with the quarterbacks while Loggains talked with reporters for the first time as offensive coordinator. Moore also talked individually with several players during practice.
"He's a guy that obviously has a resume that's more than qualified for what we need," Munchak said. "We're fortunate that someone like him is available when we need it. We're going to take full advantage of that. I think it's smart that we're doing that. I think that's how the players see it and how the coaching staff is excited. They should be. We have a chance to learn more and learn how to do your job better. It's great to do that."
Moore has three Super Bowl rings as a coach, winning two as an assistant with Pittsburgh and his third working with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. His stint with the Colts ended after the 2010 season, and Moore worked with the Jets last season as a consultant, first from his South Carolina home and then spending the final month of the season with the team.
Munchak talked to Moore when he was setting up his own staff after he was hired in February 2011, before bringing in Palmer. Now Munchak has Moore around with no official title, just as a member of the coaching staff and a walking football resource.
"He's coached every position on offense, he's coached receiver, he's coached Lynn Swann and John Stallworth," Munchak said. "He's got a lot of things he can add to some thoughts on the receiving game, the passing game. He's got a lot of experience in general. No real title, just going to be here to help us as an offensive assistant."
NOTES: LB Colin McCarthy did not practice for a second straight day, and Munchak said they will know Friday if he's been cleared from a concussion after testing himself on a bicycle and treadmill Thursday. ... Damian Williams had an MRI after tweaking his hamstring in practice Wednesday, and Munchak said the test showed the receiver was OK and must now see if he can handle the soreness. ... RB Jamie Harper (ankle) did not practice after being limited Wednesday.
