Jon Robinson agreed to terms of a contract to become general manager of the Tennessee Titans.
Robinson was director of player personnel for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will become immediately involved in the Titans’ search for a head coach. That includes interim head coach Mike Mularkey, who reportedly has been given strong enough indications that the “job is his,” per NFL Network, that he is sharing it with his coaching staff.
However, the Titans confirmed there are other candidates for the job. Known options for the Titans include Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Jaguars assistant head coach Doug Marrone.
ESPN reported Robinson was hired in part because he agreed to give Mularkey a serious look as head coach. Mularkey was elevated from offensive coordinator when Ken Whisenhunt was fired as head coach Nov. 3. Mularkey was 2-7 as interim coach.
Robinson is from Union City, Tenn., and spent 12 seasons with the New England Patriots. That could fuel speculation that the Titans will wait to interview Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels if Mularkey doesn’t earn the nod.
Former Eagles coach Chip Kelly, fired Dec. 29 after posting a 26-21 record in three seasons, requested an interview with Robinson last season but the Buccaneers denied the query on the grounds that his role in Philadelphia would not be a true promotion. Kelly coached Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota at Oregon.
Ruston Webster was general manager of the Titans the past four seasons when Tennessee had a record of 18-46. His contract was not renewed at the end of the season.
The Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft after selecting Mariota second overall in 2015.