July 28, 2010

Pola Says Kiffin Shouldn't Be Sued By Titans

Former Titans Running Back Coach Kennedy Pola understands Jeff Fisher's frustration over the timing of his exit, one week before the start of training camp, but the former USC fullback said the opportunity to work as offensive coordinator at his alma mater was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Speaking with the Tennessean, Pola said he did not believe USC Head Coach Lane Kiffin had acted "maliciously" as stated in the Titans lawsuit against USC.

"I wouldn't blame Jeff for being mad because of the timing of this," Pola said. "It's terrible. But it wasn't that Lane was trying to recruit me or prematurely do something. I was locked in (with the Titans). That is clear. I was all in; I didn't have a backup plan. I'd planned on being here, and everything happened so fast.''

Pola joined the Titans staff in January after the firing of Earnest Byner. He informed Fisher of his decision to leave Saturday, one day after Kiffin first contacted him about the opportunity with the Trojans. Pola said he would avoid commenting on the lawsuit, but he did offer support for his new boss. 

"I am going to leave that to Jeff and Lane," Pola said. "But he didn't try and recruit me."

In the end, Pola said the USC job was a promotion to a coordinator position that he has long coveted.

It is a risk for me, I know that," Pola said. "And I loved it here in Tennessee, the people have been great, Jeff has been great. I loved the NFL. But having offensive coordinator attached to my name, that's a great opportunity for me.''

The Titans open training camp on Saturday at Baptist Sports Park. Fisher has said he will promote from within the organization for Pola's replacement.

posted by Jonathan Hutton on 7/28/2010 12:37:22 PM