Titans

Defense

We like the Texans to have a solid day versus the Titans this week.

Williams was with the Oilers/Titans from 1990-2000, and coordinated Jeff Fisher’s defense from 1997-2000. According to former players, “coaches were aware” of the activity, but “didn’t organize bonus programs or hand out money for deliberately injuring an opponent.” Former Oilers LB Al Smith said the practice stretched back to “long before” Buddy Ryan served as the team’s defensive coordinator in 1993. Williams will meet with NFL security officials in New York on Monday.

Gray didn’t make the final cut -- the Bucs are oddly in heavy pursuit of Mike Sherman -- and the Titans will be happy to have him back. A DBs coach at heart, Gray has overseen the rapid development of young CBs Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner, as well as Cortland Finnegan’s career year in 2011. Gray’s return may help the Titans’ chances of re-signing free agent Finnegan.

Williams is still seeking NFL reinstatement after the Bounty Scandal, but appears set to reunite with Munchak after being suspended for the entire 2012 season. According to Schefter, Williams could have his suspension removed before the Super Bowl, allowing him to finalize a contract with the Titans. One of the NFL’s most blitz-heavy minds, Williams has a strong background in the 4-3 defense and will work alongside current DC Jerry Gray, who served on his defensive staff during their time in Buffalo.

“When you are 6-10 and you give up a lot of points, heads are going to roll, it’s just a matter of when,” said Bush, who joined head coach Mike Munchak’s staff in 2011. The Titans set a franchise record for points allowed in a season (471) and gave up at least 30 points in half their games. Bush is the third Titans assistant to be let go since the end of the season. Munchak fired tight ends coach John Zernhelt on Tuesday after parting with running backs coach Jim Skipper last week. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer was fired in November.

A former player, Dawson has spent the past seven seasons in the Titans’ front office. He’s GM Ruston Webster’s top assistant, and evaluates both pro and college personnel. Dawson was a candidate for the Rams’ general manager opening in 2012.

New Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt tried to pry Butler away from the Steelers several times while Whisenhunt was in Arizona, but Pittsburgh denied him each time. Butler may be the DC-in-waiting for the Steelers once Dick LeBeau decides to call it a career. Whisenhunt is intent on bringing in a defensive boss that runs the 3-4. In-limbo Browns DC Ray Horton may be the favorite.

Cecil refused a breathalyzer test after being pulled over for doing 42 in a 30-MPH zone. He was on the sideline as the Titans fell to the Colts Sunday.

“We have conversations with Jeff about it from time to time and we expect to have a favorable resolution,” COO Steve Underwood says. The club exercised the one-year option on Fisher’s contract at the end of last season.

“Nobody’s put a timetable on anything and we’re just moving forward,” Fisher said, amid some speculation he’d be interested in testing the free agent waters in 2008. “I don’t anticipate any problems and I fully expect to be here.”