Titans GM Reese resigns after 21 years with franchise
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- An unlikely playoff run and the development of an award winning rookie quarterback wasn't enough to save Titans general manger Floyd Reese's job.
After 13 seasons on the job, Reese resigned Friday, a month before his contract was set to expire.
"I had hopes of signing a contract extension and staying with the Titans for many more years, but it became apparent to me over the last several months that that would be difficult," Reese said in a statement released by the team.
"Rather than drag out a process that would probably end up with us going our separate ways, the right thing to do is to cut ties now and let the Titans move on and me as well."
The Titans scheduled a news conference for later Friday.
"It's hard parting ways, but I am confident that change will be good for everyone involved," team owner Bud Adams said in a statement.
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| The Titans went 111-102 under Floyd Reese, reaching the Super Bowl in 2000. (AP) |
The Titans also announced Friday that the contract for Al Smith, the team's pro scouting director, wouldn't be extended.
Reese has been with the franchise for 21 years, going back to its origins as the Houston Oilers. He succeeded Mike Holovak, who served as general manager from 1989-1993.
In December, Adams denied that coach Jeff Fisher was leaving after the season, but he wasn't as emphatic about Reese. At the time Adams said, "I don't think he's going anywhere."
Fisher, at the time, said he couldn't imagine working without Reese.
The Titans finished the season 8-8 with a loss to New England, and just fell short of becoming the first NFL team to start 0-5 and reach the playoffs.
After a 2-7 start, the team won six-straight games. The turnaround earned quarterback Vince Young the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the year award Wednesday and led Adams to pick up Fisher's option for 2007. Talks of an extension for Fisher are expected soon.
