The Tennessee Titans shocked the NFL world on Tuesday morning by firing GM Jon Robinson after seven seasons with the organization.

The #Titans are firing GM Jon Robinson, per me and @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/21ozpvUscA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 6, 2022

While the Titans roster has some major flaws and Robinson has been taking criticism in 2022, this one was still a shocker. Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk has had a tight relationship with Robinson through the years, and together, the Titans have gone from bottom-feeder to perennial playoff team.

That's still not good enough, though. Ownership is making a loud statement that they mean business, and Strunk is raising the standards for the organization moving forward. Robinson is the first domino to fall as part of that statement.

But why now? Why mid-season, with the Titans at 7-5 and on pace to win the AFC South for a third consecutive season?

As pointed out by @TomPelissero, the #Titans part ways with GM Jon Robinson NOW, not later, because meetings with college players will begin later this month. No reason to have JRob handle those if it was already decided he wouldn't be back.

Can also get a jump on new GM search.

— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) December 6, 2022

It may seem odd, but moving on from Robinson now is actually perfect timing for the Titans. As pointed out by Tom Pelissero on NFL Network, the Titans will have meetings with college players later this month, and there is no reason to have Robinson handle those meetings if Strunk had already decided that he wouldn't be back next season.

The Titans also view this as an opportunity to get a head start on the search for Robinson's replacement.

It was undoubtedly a difficult move to make for Strunk. But it's one that probably needed to happen if Tennessee wants to reach the upper echelon of NFL organizations. The sooner they got it done, the better.

Unlike the situation with offensive coordinator Todd Downing, Robinson's job for the 2022 season is (mostly) done already. Switching play callers mid-season has more drastic effects on the in-game product than a GM. Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden now takes over player personnel responsibilities for the remainder of the season, which won't include much more than managing Injured Reserve and making some back-end roster changes.

Now Mike Vrabel will be given more power, and the Titans will move forward behind their leader and head coach.

Image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK