Mike Munchak became the 16th head coach in franchise history and the first who was a former player for the team, when he was named to the post on Feb. 7, 2011.
After a 12-year playing career as a guard for the Houston Oilers, Munchak joined the front office in 1994 and assisted the coaching staff.
He officially became a coach in 1995 as a quality control coach for the offense. Munchak became the offensive line coach in 1997 and held that position for the previous 14 years. Four of his players have totaled 10 Pro Bowl invitations and his offensive lines have paved the way for five different running backs to total 11 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
In 2001, he became the fifth franchise player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He earned nine Pro Bowl invitations during his career and was bestowed the honor of having his Oilers #63 jersey retired in 1996. Munchak was later inducted into the Titans/Oilers Hall of Fame in 1999.
As a coach, Munchak is acknowledged as one of the finest teachers in the game. Only twice during his career has he had the benefit of starting the same starting five linemen from one year to the next; and yet, the Titans offensive lines are perennially one of the best lines in the NFL. His offensive line allowed the second fewest sacks (28.3 sacks per season) in the NFL since he assumed control of the group in 1997.
Additionally, the Titans ranked seventh in the league in rushing yards (124.5 yards per game) during his tenure. He has seen Bruce Matthews, Brad Hopkins, Michael Roos and Kevin Mawae earn Pro Bowl invitations from his group in addition to providing protection for Pro Bowlers Eddie George, Steve McNair, Vince Young, Kerry Collins and Chris Johnson. His group aided McNair to NFL co-MVP (2003) and Johnson to Offensive Player of the Year (2009) honors.
As a player, Munchak started 156 regular season games (seventh in franchise history) and 10 playoff games for the Oilers between 1982 and 1993. Respected for his play, he was selected to the NFL’s “All Decade” team for the 1980’s. Chronic knee problems led him to retire while still at the top of his game. In his final year, he earned All Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
At Penn State, Munchak lettered in 1979 and 1981, as a guard, and he red-shirted during the 1980 season with a knee injury. He entered the draft with year of eligibility remaining, but degree in-hand and became the first offensive lineman selected with the eighth pick overall in the 1982 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.
Earning a business degree at Penn State, Munchak was known to his teammates as a smart businessman. He partnered with Bruce Matthews to secure the regional distribution rights to Snapple and owned a number of Gold Gyms in Texas.
Among his many honors, Munchak has been elected to the Pennsylvania, Texas and Polish-American Sports Halls of Fame. Additionally, he was honored as one of the 38 Sports Legends of Houston prior to Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Munchak is a native of Scranton, Pa., and is married to Marci. The couple has two grown daughters – Alexandria and Julie.
MORRIS MATCHUP
- – Head Coach Raheem Morris is facing the Tennessee Titans and Titans Head Coach Mike Munchak for the first time.
- – This is the first meeting against the Buccaneers for Munchak.
YOUNGEST AVERAGE AGE / 53 MAN ROSTER
(Week 11)
Team Yrs Days
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25 329
Seattle Seahawks 26 78
Carolina Panthers 26 110
Green Bay Packers 26 111
Philadelphia Eagles 26 234
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