Does Titans Meeting Cancellation Mean Munchak is Behind The 8Ball?

It is my feeling that though the argument could be made that Coach Munchak is a step or two behind other teams in regard to the preparation process for the upcoming season, the potential (likely) work stoppage equates an entire new learning process for all NFL coaching staffs. The teams dealing with the least amount of changes since the close of the season prior may be teams with a leg up when the clouds lift. The Titans may be the team making the most changes of any in the NFL but the silver lining may come in the fact that certain other teams who generally prosper from continuity from offseason to season by also be handicapped by this unusual challenge. The opportunity for a young, hungry team to to take advantage 0f the situation may exist. Let's hope The Colts, Texans and Jaguars find the challenge a bit more difficult than our fresh new group. Wishful thinking anyway.

Vin

From The Tennesseean

Titans Cancel Meeting

Written by

Jim Wyatt

• FILED UNDER
• Sports
• Sports Tennessee Titans

Titans Coach Mike Munchak had hoped to gather his players today, introduce them to the new coaching staff and discuss plans in the event of a work stoppage.

The team meeting was abruptly canceled Tuesday, however, because of concerns about NFL rules during a league dead period, according to sources familiar with the situation.

At a meeting with coaches and general managers at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, league officials reminded teams that existing rules forbid meetings with coaches and players until the official start of offseason conditioning programs on March 15.

The NFL recently warned the Browns and Rams after coaches from those teams reportedly had contact with players. With that in mind, the Titans opted to cancel their meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m. today. Players were informed by e-mail that the "timing of the meeting is not good," according to sources.

Titans Director of Player Development Tina Tuggle sent players an e-mail last week informing them it was strongly recommended they attend the meeting at Baptist Sports Park to meet the new staff and discuss plans for a possible work stoppage.

Players have been working out at the facility in recent weeks, but current rules limit meetings between players and coaches. Soon, there might be no contact at all.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire at 10:59 p.m. on Thursday, and without a new agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association, teams and players would be forbidden to communicate with each other.

That would put the Titans, with a new coaching staff, in an especially difficult spot heading into the offseason.

Munchak, who returned from the combine on Tuesday, could not be reached for comment.

Reach Jim Wyatt at 615-259-8015 or jwyatt@tennessean.com.