Tennessee Titans

In the American Football Conference (AFC) of the National Football League (NFL), a Nashville, Tennessee team has made its mark. Known as the Tennessee Titans, this team has risen through the ranks to secure a spot in Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000. The Titans, first known as the Oilers, were born in Houston, Texas 1960. During their time in Houston from 1960 to 1996, they clinched two American Football League (AFL) championships (1960 and 1961). Quarterback George Blanda led the team to victory in the initial AFL title and successfully defended it the following year. However, their journey to a third consecutive title in 1962 ended in a narrow loss to the Dallas Texans in double overtime.

 

A Downturn and a Bounce Back

Following a lean period of four consecutive losing seasons, the team sprung back to life with playoff appearances in 1967 and 1969. However, the AFL-NFL merger in the 1970s witnessed a downturn in the Oilers’ fortunes. The mid-70s saw the hiring of head coach Bum Phillips who brought a new lease of life to the team, propelling them back into the postseason in 1978.

 

Luv Ya Blue Era

The late 70s Oilers, known as the “Luv Ya Blue” Oilers, held the heartstrings of Houston fans. With a robust offense and defense featuring prominent players like Earl Campbell, Billy Johnson, Robert Brazile, and Elvin Bethea, they reached conference championship games after the 1978 and 1979 seasons. Although defeated on both occasions by the Pittsburgh Steelers, their on-field performance raised the team’s reputation.

 

High-powered Offense, yet Unfulfilled Promise

With the signing of quarterback Warren Moon from the Canadian Football League in 1984, the Oilers became known for their high-powered offense. However, despite seven consecutive postseason berths from 1987 to 1993, the Oilers couldn’t advance to a single conference championship.

 

Rebuilding and Relocation

After a significant player turnover due to frustration, Jeff Fisher, the team’s defensive coordinator, was promoted to head coach in 1994. The team relocated to Nashville in 1997 and was rechristened as the Tennessee Titans in 1999. This move marked a new chapter in the team’s history.

 

A New Dawn in Nashville

In 1999, the Titans had a stellar season, winning 13 games with remarkable performances from Steve McNair and Eddie George. Their first playoff game ended with the memorable “Music City Miracle.” The Titans continued to perform strongly and earned their first Super Bowl berth. In 2008, they notched the best record in the NFL, only to be upset by the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs’ first round.

 

Recent Struggles and Comeback

The Titans experienced a rough patch, missing playoffs for five consecutive seasons, the longest postseason drought since relocating to Tennessee. However, they made a comeback, reaching the playoffs in 2017 and even notching their first postseason victory in 14 years. Their impressive run in 2019 took them to the AFC championship game, although they ultimately fell to the Kansas City Chiefs.