Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey found himself out of favor with ownership after leading the team for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Despite finishing with a 20-21 record and leading the Titans to a playoff berth in 2017, Mularkey was relieved of his duties following the season. However, instead of taking his firing negatively, Mularkey decided to have some fun and play a prank on NFL insider Ian Rapoport. He leaked a fake report to Rapoport claiming he was getting a new contract the morning he knew he was going to be fired, just to see the reaction of the owner and general manager who were out to get him.
The prank confession from Mularkey got the hosts of the podcast he was on laughing hysterically, as it is not often that head coaches have the opportunity to have fun or get in a last laugh in such situations. Despite the end of his tenure with the Titans, Mularkey chose to approach the situation with humor and not let it bring him down. Following his departure from the Titans, Mularkey went on to become the tight ends coach for the Atlanta Falcons in 2019. While he has not coached since then, Mularkey has had coaching stints with several other NFL teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Titans.
Mularkey’s time with the Titans may have ended on a sour note, but he is able to look back on it with humor and reflect on the unusual way he chose to handle his firing. By playing a prank on Ian Rapoport, he was able to get a laugh out of the situation and not let it bring him down. Despite the challenges he faced as head coach of the Titans, Mularkey chose to approach the situation with levity and not let it define his coaching career. While he has not coached since his time with the Falcons, Mularkey has had a successful career coaching in the NFL and has made the most of the opportunities he has been given.
Mularkey’s decision to play a prank on Ian Rapoport following his firing from the Titans showcases his ability to find humor in difficult situations and not take himself too seriously. By choosing to have some fun, even in a tough moment, Mularkey was able to lighten the mood and demonstrate his resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges he faced as a head coach, Mularkey was able to leave a lasting impression on those around him by handling his departure with grace and humor. His ability to embrace the unexpected and find joy in unexpected situations is a testament to his strength of character and ability to overcome obstacles in the NFL.
As Mularkey continues to reflect on his coaching career, he can look back on his time with the Titans and the unique way he chose to handle his dismissal with a sense of humor and light-heartedness. By choosing to play a prank on Ian Rapoport, Mularkey showed that even in difficult times, it is possible to find moments of levity and joy. While his tenure with the Titans may have had its challenges, Mularkey’s ability to laugh in the face of adversity sets him apart as a coach who is able to navigate the rough waters of the NFL with grace and humor. Despite not coaching since his time with the Falcons, Mularkey’s legacy as a coach who can find humor in tough times will continue to resonate throughout the league.
