Report: Titans to Interview Mike Mularkey on Thursday; Said to be Front-Runner

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Tennessee Titans are set to interview Mike Mularkey this week, possibly Thursday.  We knew this news was coming, but Rapoport went on to call Mularkey the "clear front-runner" for the Titans' gig.

#Titans plan to interview interim coach Mike Mularkey late this week -- likely Thursday -- source said. He's the clear front-runner.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2016

Rapoport went on to announce that the Titans had received permission to interview the Detroit Lion's defensive cooridinator, Teryl Austin.  Austin has been a hot name for two years now and would fulfill the NFL's Rooney Rule.

The #Titans are set to interview #Lions DC Teryl Austin, source said. They recently received permission to do so.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2016

That makes three known interviews so far for the head coaching position, including Doug Marrone.  It's a little surprising, seeing that the Titans haven't made the final choice on their General Manager yet.  I'm sure they have a plan, but this seems a touch backwards to me.

The Mike Mularkey rumors aren't going away, either.  It would be a tough sell to a fanbase that has been put through a 5-27 record during the past two seasons.  That record isn't necessarily Mularkey's fault, but he is tied to the Whisenhunt regime.  A 2-7 finish didn't exactly sell anyone on his ability either.  The bottom-line is that he has a career record of 18-39 and he's considered a front-runner for the job.  Something just doesn't add up there.