NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans announced Thursday that they have hired Frank Bush as linebackers coach, replacing Dave McGinnis, who was moved to senior assistant.
Bush, who spent the past four seasons with the Houston Texans, the last two as defensive coordinator before he was fired Jan. 3, has coached 19 seasons in the NFL, primarily working with linebackers. The former NFL linebacker was a teammate of new Titans coach Mike Munchak with the Houston Oilers in 1985 and 1986.
With Bush taking over the linebackers, McGinnis will work with Munchak and the defensive coaches.
Munchak said in a statement that he always has been impressed by the physical style exhibited by Bush's players and believes he will work well with new defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, another former Oilers teammate.
"He has done it all in this league -- coordinated, linebackers, special teams, defensive line -- so he will bring a lot to our staff," Munchak said of Bush. "He should be a resource to Jerry as well, in terms of understanding the offenses in the division. Frank is a high-energy guy that I think guys will respond well to."
Bush began his post-playing career as a scout for the Oilers in 1987, left in 1995 for nine seasons with the Denver Broncos, then spent 2004 through 2006 in Arizona, where he was assistant head coach in his final season with the Cardinals.
"I am excited about it and looking forward to working with Mike, because he has always been a winner," Bush said. "It will be good getting back with the linebackers, and I know I have something to prove. In talking with Jerry, there was a good fit, and we see things in a similar way. I want my guys to play aggressively and with passion."
McGinnis, a former Cardinals head coach with 25 years' experience in the NFL, will handle personnel and administrative roles.
"Dave has a wealth of experience, and he is going to be able help us in a bunch of different areas -- so now we can make the best use of all his skills," Munchak said. "I am grateful that he will be taking on this new role and he will be an important voice for me."
Munchak still needs to hire four assistant coaches, including a running backs coach and wide receivers assistant.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
