Why Did Whisenhunt Come To Tennessee? ‘Chemistry’ With Titans’ Bosses

GM Ruston Webster, new head coach Ken Whisenhunt and Titans president and CEO Tommy Smith pose together Tuesday afternoon. Credit: Tennessee Titans via Facebook

Ken Whisenhunt (pronounced like ‘cheese whiz’) made his first appearance at the Tennessee Titans practice facility late yesterday. The newly-named head coach was also considered the frontrunner to lead the Detroit Lions. He said the Titans were just a better fit.

“Chemistry is an important part of this, and when you feel like you have that chemistry and you’re excited about it, that plays a big part of it.”

Whisenhunt wore a Titans pin on his lapel as he took questions for half an hour. He answered most inquiries about new coaches and players with some form of “I don’t know.” He did say he liked quarterback Jake Locker when he was coming out of college.

Whisenhunt comes to Tennessee after a one-year stint as offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers. He was fired in 2012 as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Whisenhunt. He started out his coaching career as an assistant at Vanderbilt University.