Titans part ways with coach Mularkey after disagreement on team's future

The Tennessee Titans announced Monday the team has parted ways with head coach Mike Mularkey.

The development comes hours after it was reported the two sides were discussing a contract extension.

The Titans stated that they "couldn't come to an agreement over the future."

"I want to thank Mike Mularkey for his contributions to our franchise over his tenure with our organization," owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a team statement.

"In fact, we did discuss extending his future with our team over the past week, but in those discussions about the direction of the team, it became evident that we saw different paths to achieve greater success."

After replacing Ken Whisenhunt halfway through the 2015 season, Mularkey posted a pair of 9-7 seasons, including a playoff run this year that included a come-from-behind victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round. The Titans were eliminated in a blowout 35-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday.

"It is certainly unfortunate that we couldn't find enough common ground. I generally believe that continuity is the best path for success, but I also view this as an important moment for our football team as we try to make that next step to sustained success on the field," Adams Strunk said. "(General manager) Jon (Robinson) will begin the search immediately to identify that person."

The Titans are rumored to be in the running with their division rivals in the Indianapolis Colts for the services of Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Robinson spent 12 years with the Patriots, beginning as a scout before ascending to the front office.

There are now five coaching vacancies in the NFL. The Titans join the Colts, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals in the search for a new frontman.