NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel made an unprecedented move on Monday afternoon when he stepped to the podium and announced the firing of special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman.

It was the first time in Vrabel's tenure as Titans head coach that he has parted ways with a member of his coaching staff in the middle of the season. But as warranted as the move may have been, it is not clear if the firing was actually Vrabel's idea.

My biggest takeaway? The flood gates are now open and more changes could be coming in the future.

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It doesn't really matter to me if Mike Vrabel actually wanted to let Aukerman go or if he was pressured to do so. All that matters is that he did it. Tennessee has been a train wreck on special teams and by making an aggressive mid-season move with a 4-8 record….the Titans (either Vrabel or ownership) are sending a rather simple message: Results matter.

Craig Aukerman and Mike Vrabel have developed a really strong relationship over six years of working together. Aukerman has continuously been praised as someone who connected with the entire Titans' roster and even mentioned by players as someone they could see being a head coach one day. None of that matters when you get back-to-back punts blocked, your punter seriously injured, and your unit is never prepared for the situation.

With that in mind, it's important to note that Tennessee is 4-8. They are the 25th ranked offense in the sport and averaging just 17.8 points per game. Their defense is 31st in takeaways and their secondary has been penalized the 2nd most. The offensive line has been detrimental from the first practice of training camp.

The Titans have plenty of problems. You don't contend for a Top 5 pick in the NFL Draft without a whole lot of ugly. That gives me reason to believe Aukerman won't be the only coaching change made over the next few months. Vrabel fired four members of his coaching staff after last season, and I'd expect this year's total to at least match that.

I don't necessarily anticipate that more changes are coming in-season, but I also wouldn't rule it out. There is now precedent within the organization for coaches being held accountable for their actions. Titans ownership might be content with Mike Vrabel as the head coach, but they're certainly not satisfied with finishing at the bottom of the AFC South. 

Now the question is: Who else will be on the chopping block as the 2023 season comes to a close?

Another former player throws shade at the Titans

This is becoming a trend with the Titans.