NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Steve Watterson, the Titans strength and conditioning coach for 32 seasons, is retiring.
He was the longest-tenured coach in the NFL with one team.
The 61-year old Watterson became an assistant head coach in 2006 and has been a real part of the franchise’s fabric since it was the Oilers in Houston
A prankster who liked to show off his own strength while mapping plans for players was regarded as a guy who evolved with the times. Multiple times he had repair surgery – I recall one on his neck and one on his back, but there were more -- and returned to work in short order against doctors orders.
The Titans could promote his top assistant, Tom Kanavy in Watterson’s absence. The timetable for his departure is unclear, and the Titans start the conditioning phase of OTAs on Monday.
Watterson and GM Jon Robinson could not be reached for comment.
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Update: Roughly 1:45 after my oriinal post breaking the news, the Titans confirmed it with this announcement.
Long-time Titans Strength and Conditioning Coach Steve Watterson has decided to retire from his duties with the team. Watterson has been with the franchise for 32 seasons, since he joined the team in 1986. During that time with the franchise, he has earned many awards, including the President’s Award from the Professional Football Strength and Coaches Society in 2002 for his contributions to the field and Professional Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in 1992.
Statement from Steve Watterson
“I never spent much time thinking about this moment, but as I was preparing for another offseason to begin, it became clear to me that it was time for me to step down and retire. I have invested a lifetime in this franchise and have so much love and respect for the people who work here and I only want the best for them. There are so many fantastic memories that I was lucky enough to be a part of during my time here; and I loved getting to work with world-class athletes for more than three decades. Seeing guys improve on a daily and yearly basis was a constant reward. I want to thank Amy and her family for the opportunity to work for this franchise as long as I have and I will be watching with great interest every Sunday. I see great things ahead for this team and I have a ton of confidence in Tom (Kanavy) and Taylor (Porter) as they take the reins.”
Statement from Titans General Manager Jon Robinson
“I would like to thank Steve for all he has done for this team and this community. I have the utmost respect for him and the career he has had. We wish he and his family the best. As we move forward, Tom (Kanavy) will take over as Strength and Conditioning coach and Taylor (Porter) also will remain on the staff.”
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