<
>

Jon Robinson agrees to become Titans general manager

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms to name Tampa Bay director of player personnel Jon Robinson their new general manager.

The Titans announced the deal Thursday night.

Robinson has been with the Buccaneers for the past two seasons after spending 12 seasons with the New England Patriots as a scout and then the director of college scouting.

He is from Union City, Tennessee, which is 185 miles northwest of Nashville.

"His proven track record for scouting talent, leadership skills, and ability to build relationships make him an ideal candidate to lead our football operation," controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. "Jon is a proud Tennessean who is excited to be coming home, and we look forward to the future of our football team under his leadership."

The Titans declined to renew the contract of Ruston Webster the day after the team finished the season 3-13.

"I am extremely grateful to Amy for this opportunity, and I am very excited for the chance to come home to Tennessee," Robinson said in a statement.

Team president and CEO Steve Underwood said the replacement would need to be more steeped in player evaluation.

Robinson beat out Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Ballard, Jaguars director of pro scouting Chris Polian, Giants vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross, former Lions GM Martin Mayhew and former Broncos GM Ted Sundquist.

It is unclear what the Tennessee plans to do at head coach.

The Titans confirmed they interviewed Doug Marrone for their head coach opening, the first candidate they have confirmed. They are also scheduled to interview incumbent interim coach Mike Mularkey and Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Friday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.