The late Kenneth S. “Bud” Adams, the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans founder and owner, with former Oilers/Titans coach Jeff Fisher in 2010.
-- Associated PressIn the 26 months since the death of Tennessee Titans founder Kenneth S. “Bud” Adams, the franchise has been in a constant state of transition. Here’s a timeline of the biggest changes:
Oct. 21, 2013: Bud Adams, founder of the NFL franchise originally known as the Houston Oilers, is found dead at his home in Houston at age 90.
Oct. 29, 2013: An announcement is made that Adams’ will stipulates Titans ownership is inherited by three entities – one-third to daughter Susie Adams Smith, one-third to daughter Amy Adams Strunk and one-third to the family of his deceased son, Kenneth S. Adams III, which goes to Bud Adams’ grandsons Kenneth Adams IV and Barclay Cunningham Adams and their mother, Susan Lewis.
At the same time, it is announced that Adams’ two daughters will serve as co-chairpersons of the team and that Tommy Smith, husband of Susie Adams Smith, will serve as president/CEO.
Jan. 4, 2014: After a 7-9 season that ended with eight losses in the last 12 games, Mike Munchak is fired as Titans head coach. Munchak had a 22-26 record in three years as coach.
Jan. 13, 2014: Ken Whisenhunt is hired as Titans head coach. Whisenhunt, who spent the 2012 season as offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers, went 45-51 in six years as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Whisenhunt, who coached the Cardinals to the Super Bowl in the 2008 season, also had been sought by the Detroit Lions for their head coaching vacancy.
Feb. 5, 2015: After a 2-14 season, the Titans hire Dick LeBeau as assistant head coach/defense, where he will work with former protégé Ray Horton, the defensive coordinator.
March 20, 2015: After a dispute within the family ownership group, Tommy Smith retires as president/CEO of the team and it is announced that Steve Underwood will take over those duties on an interim basis. Underwood served as senior executive vice president of the franchise for six years before retiring in 2011.
March 22, 2015: In advance of the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix, Amy Adams Strunk is installed as controlling owner of the Titans, replacing her sister, Susie Adams Smith, who had served in the role for more than 17 months.
March 25, 2015: In comments to the media at the NFL owners meeting, Commissioner Roger Goodell says he is working with the Titans organization to “ensure the team is under the proper ownership structure.”
Goodell acknowledges that the league’s finance committee, chaired by Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, has issues with the Titans’ ownership structure.
Nov. 3, 2015: After six straight losses, Ken Whisenhunt is fired as Titans head coach. The firing is announced via a statement by Amy Adams Strunk. Mike Mularkey, who previously served as assistant head coach/tight ends under Whisenhunt, is named interim head coach.