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Mike Munchak was drafted by the Houston Oilers with the 8th overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft. He would go on to play eleven seasons in Houston, being selected to nine Pro Bowls during that stretch. In 2001, Munchak was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After his playing days were over, Munchak spent 16 years as assistant coach between Houston and Tennessee before being elevated to head coach of the Titans in 2010.
Munchak was fired by Tennessee earlier this month after posting a record of 22-26 as a head coach. Naturally, the conversation about Bill O'Brien bringing Munchak onto the Texans' staff began, and Munchak did in fact interview for the opening at offensive line coach here. Munchack also interviewed for the head coaching positions in Detroit, Cleveland, and at Penn State (his alma mater and coincidentally O'Brien's previous employer). The Lions and Penn State opted to go in a different direction, hiring Jim Caldwell and James Franklin, respectively. Although the Browns' job remains open, there wasn't much sentiment that Munchak was the front-runner there.
Jason La Canfora reported earlier today that Munchak's decision was down to the Texans and Steelers:
Mike Munchak still deciding between offers from Texans and Steelers; would be pretty surprised if he did not end up with the black and gold
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 23, 2014
Well, it appears that La Canfora was correct - Munchak is joining the Steelers.
Mike Tomlin has hired Mike Munchak as Steelers OL coach
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 23, 2014
If you're feeling gracious, head over to Behind The Steel Curtain to congratulate them on an absolute coup of a hire. For Texans fans, the question is where do Bill O'Brien and the Texans turn now?
