ONE
The Tennessee Titans franchise was initially founded by Bud Adams as the Houston Oilers - one of the eight charter members of the American Football League (AFL). The Oilers began play in the AFL in 1960 and won the first AFL Championship - defeating the Los Angeles Chargers. The Oilers then won their second-straight AFL Championship - beating the Chargers again.
TWO
In 1967, the Oilers moved into the Houston Astrodome - becoming the first professional football team to play their home games in a domed stadium. When the AFL-NFL merger was completed in 1970, the Oilers became part of the NFL's American Football Conference (AFC) Central Division. The team initially struggled to adapt to the new competition level - posting several losing seasons. In 1978, under legendary head coach Bum Phillips, the Oilers reached the AFC Championship Game but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This period featured Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell, who had an illustrious career with the Oilers - winning the 1979 MVP along with a plethora of rushing titles.
Earl Campbell, Running Back 1978-1984
THREE
Alongside Earl Campbell, the Titans built a reputation for developing some of the best players the league had seen. Bruce Matthews, a lifelong Titan, was one of the best offensive linemen of all-time, who became known for his dominance across all five spots on the line. Matthews was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. In 1984, the Oilers secured the services of quarterback Warren Moon from the Canadian Football League. Known for his strong arm and impressive passing skills, Moon led the league in passing yards in both 1990 and 1991. He was Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
Warren Moon, Quarterback 1984-1993
FOUR
Despite plenty of regular season success, the Oilers continued to struggle in the playoffs and in 1993 the Oilers were involved in one of the most memorable playoff games in NFL history, known as "The Comeback," where they lost to the Buffalo Bills despite leading 35-3 in the second half. This game marked the beginning of the end for the Oilers in Houston.
FIVE
Facing financial difficulties and unable to secure a new stadium, Bud Adams announced the relocation of the Oilers to Nashville, Tennessee. The franchise was known as the Tennessee Oilers for two seasons - playing home games in Memphis in 1997 and at Vanderbilt University in Nashville in 1998. However, the team struggled with fan support and identity during this period of transition.
SIX
In 1999, the team rebranded as the Tennessee Titans and moved into the newly built Adelphia Coliseum (now the Nissan Stadium) in Nashville. That season, they finished 13-3 and reached their first-ever Super Bowl (XXXIV), losing to the St. Louis Rams. The season was highlighted by the "Music City Miracle," as the Buffalo Bills led in the Wild Card game 16-15. With just 16 seconds on the clock, Titans tight end Frank Wycheck threw a lateral across the field to Kevin Dyson, who would take it to the house for a walk-off touchdown to seal a historic win.
Super Bowl XXXIV - Eddie George, Running Back 1996-2003
SEVEN
In 2002, the Titans won their first AFC South title after the NFL realigned it’s divisions. That season, they reached the AFC Championship Game but were defeated by the Oakland Raiders. This marked the beginning of a competitive period for the franchise under head coach Jeff Fisher. However, the coveted Lombardi Trophy continued to evade them. During the noughties Tennessee had many exceptional players including; Vince Young, Steve McNair, Chris Johnson, Jevon Kearse and Keith Bullock.
Steve McNair, Quarterback 1995-2005
EIGHT
After a long period of difficulty, the Titans experienced somewhat of a revival in 2019 with the hiring of head coach Mike Vrabel - reaching the AFC Championship Game, and winning the AFC South in 2020 and 2021. Star running back Derrick Henry led the way as he obliterated opposing defenses thanks to his unique size and unparalleled running style. However, Tennessee still couldn’t find a franchise QB after Steve McNair and Vince Young, despite being tied for the most quarterbacks drafted since 2010.
Derrick Henry, Running Back 2016-2023
NINE
After a disappointing 2023 season, a Titans rebuild was on the cards. As a result, in the 2024 offseason they fired head coach Mike Vrabel and parted ways with legendary running back, Derrick Henry. The hiring of offensive guru Brian Callahan and the untouched potential of sophomore QB Will Levis will have Titans fans hopeful of a return to the playoffs.
Mike Vrabel, Head Coach 2018-2023
BEFORE YOU GO
The Oilers were part of the longest game in NFL history - a 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Miami Dolphins. The game lasted 82 minutes and 40 seconds, ending with a Dolphins victory.
The late 1970s and early 1980s were known as the "Luv Ya Blue" era for the Oilers, characterised by passionate fan support and success on the field - including back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in 1978 and 1979.
According to Forbes, the Tennessee Titans are valued at $4.4 billion as of 2023.
