Mike

Munchak

The Titans’ head coach from 2011-13, Munchak spent the past five seasons as Pittsburgh’s offensive line coach. He lost out to Vic Fangio for lead duties in Denver but will now assist whomever is hired as offensive coordinator.

Munchak was previously a finalist for Denver’s head-coaching job. That role went to former Bears DC Vic Fangio, though the Broncos came away impressed with Munchak during the interview process and are hoping he’ll accept another position on Denver’s coaching staff. He could be in play as the team’s offensive coordinator now that Gary Kubiak and the Broncos appear to be going separate ways. Munchak’s contract with the Steelers is up, allowing him to explore other opportunities.

GM John Elway is going against what the rest of the league is doing -- looking for offensive gurus who call their own plays to be head coach -- and appears to be going the same direction he did with the failed Vance Joseph hire, bringing in a coach who has the “winning mentality” and “culture” on his resumé. Munchak, of course, was a failure 2011-2013 as the Titans’ head coach, compiling a 22-26 record. Fangio has never been a head coach. He deserves a shot. Munchak, however, is reportedly the “early favorite” for the gig. This one should be wrapped up soon.

Munchak turned down a second interview with the Cardinals last year, but he appears more serious about the job in Denver, where he reportedly has family. The Broncos still have interviews to conduct including with Bears DC Vic Fangio, so it does not seem like this is close to a done deal. Munchak went 22-26 in three seasons with the Titans earlier this decade.

They join the Packers and Broncos. Munchak is the sort of coach teams love to talk to in January but rarely hire. Munchak had an unmemorable three-year stint with the Titans earlier this decade.

Schefter reported earlier Monday that Munchak is a candidate in Denver. A Hall-of-Fame player, Munchak has been a perennial coaching candidate since his three-year stint with the Titans. It would be very surprising to see him replace Mike McCarthy in Green Bay.

The Browns also reportedly want to talk to him. Munchak was a serious candidate in Arizona last year, but he turned down a second interview. Munchak went 22-26 in three seasons with the Titans from 2011-13. He has coached Pittsburgh’s offensive line ever since.

It should be good news for Ben Roethlisberger and Le’Veon Bell, although Munchak is going to need better linemen. Munchak, a native of Scranton (PA), also drew interest for Penn State’s head-coaching vacancy, but lost out to ex-Vanderbilt HC James Franklin. Munchak was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2001 after making the Pro Bowl nine times as a Houston Oilers offensive guard. He spent 1997-2010 as the Titans’ offensive line coach.

It was originally reported that Munchak would sit down with the Lions on Friday of this week. The Lions have now interviewed Ravens OC Jim Caldwell, Munchak, and ex-Texans coach Gary Kubiak for the opening. Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt is expected to meet with Lions brass before the weekend. Whisenhunt is being coveted by both the Lions and Titans, among others.

Munchak interviewed for the Lions’ head-coaching vacancy on Wednesday, but is setting his sights lower. Munchak is regarded as one of the league’s very best line coaches, but doesn’t have the chops to be an offensive coordinator. That means barring a head-coaching job, he’ll be banished back to the ranks of position coach. Unless he has philosophical differences with Texans coach Bill O’Brien, it’s hard to believe Munchak couldn’t have the offensive line job if he wanted it.