Mike Mularkey Stays in Atlanta After Titans Find Head Coach

The Falcons were 13-3 and averaged almost 26 points a game in 2010. Their fans should feel fortunate Mike Munchak, not Mike Mularkey, was named the head coach of the Tennessee Titans on Monday.

There is a faction of Falcons' fans who want to give Mularkey a two-handed shove out the door. They feel their offense is stodgy and on training wheels. They want some gusto and some more nerve.

Atlanta does not have that kind of personnel. It has a bulldozing running back, Michael Turner, who does not dash for long runs like, for instance, Chris Johnson.

The Falcons have long-striding receivers, Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. They have a tight end offense with Tony Gonzalez, not a four-wide scheme like the Packers.

Mularkey calls the plays for this personnel and it works. It also is what head coach Mike Smith wants. He wants ball control and a physical style. He does not want to see his offense come off the field after three shots down field go incomplete.

Here's something else. Mularkey needed to stay in Atlanta to keep the continuity going, especially with the departure of quarterback coach Bill Musgrave. Matt Ryan matured into an above average NFL quarterback with solid coaching from Mularkey.

Think also about how prepared Atlanta was most of the season for all the 3-4 defenses it saw and the blitzes from all angles.

Now, if the Falcons do not get a linebacker or a defensive end with their first round pick might they go after a more explosive running back? Maybe. Turner can be shut down and is starting to get some wear.

The Falcons are not going to bring back the injury-riddled Jerious Norwood -- I don't think -- so they could chase a fast back like Mark Ingram and give Mularkey some more versatility in play-calling.

Atlanta managed itself quite well on offense this season. Mularkey's unit was always prepared and scored early to give the Falcons' early traction.

To think he should be replaced is ridiculous.