Munchak returning to Nashville with Steelers
Ex-Titans coach moves on
also knows that for all the family ties, business is business. The Titans failed to gain much traction during his three years at the helm, including a 7-9 mark last season in which Tennessee squandered a 3-1 start.
He called the ending “disappointing,” but is trying to move on. Although he still has a house in Nashville, Munchak stressed “Pittsburgh is my home now.”
Maybe, but his ties to the Titans run deep. Tennessee left guard Andy Levitre signed with the Titans in 2013 in large part so he could learn from Munchak, a nine-time Pro Bowler as a player from 1982-93 who became one of the most respected line coaches in the league.
“He’s one of the reasons why I’m here, so I have a lot of respect for him what he’s done in his past and what he’s doing now,” Levitre said.
The feeling is mutual. Munchak allowed he still finds himself “rooting for (the Titans) a little bit” but will put it to the side when the Steelers (6- 4) try to bounce back from an ugly loss to the New York Jets last week.
Munchak knows that returning to Nashville will be bittersweet.
“I’ve never been through this as a player or a coach, going back to a place because I stayed in one place for so long,” Munchak said. “I was spoiled that way.”
DEVELOPMENTS
Briefly: Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera says running back DeAngelo Williams returned to practice Friday and is expected to start against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Williams sat out the previous two days with a foot injury. ... Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs because of calf and rib injuries. ... Cleveland Browns defensive end Phil Taylor was placed on injured reserve with a right knee injury that will require surgery, ending his season. ... San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (knee) and linebacker Manti Te’o (foot) practiced Friday and are expected to play against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. ... Miami Dolphins reserve cornerback Will Davis will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury suffered in the team’s victory over Buffalo. ... Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin is out indefinitely with a broken right ankle.