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  • LOCAL LEGEND: Former Baldwin High great Earnest Byner rushed for 8,261 yards and 56 touchdowns during his NFL career. AP photo

    Titans release local legend Earnest Byner

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January 29, 2010

Titans release local legend Earnest Byner

Former Baldwin High and NFL great had coached running backs and led many to 1,000 yard seasons during his tenure

David Brent Martin

In a move that had absolutely nothing to do with his coaching abilities, the Tennessee Titans and coach Jeff Fisher fired running backs coach Earnest Byner Monday. The team hired Kennedy Pola to take his place.

The 48-year-old Byner joined the Titans prior to the 2008 season, coaching Chris Johnson to a 2,006 yard season and his second straight Pro Bowl in 2009. In 2008, Johnson and LenDale White put up 2,001 yards under the leadership of Byner.

According to the Nashville Tennessean, Byner referred all questions to head coach Jeff Fisher.

“I can’t say anything about any of that,’’ said Byner, who had one year left on his contract with the Titans. “You have to talk to Jeff. Just talk to him. I can’t say anything.’’

Fisher did, however, release a news release that stated: “I want to thank Earnest for his time with us and his contributions. I also want to wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Byner was born in Milledgeville and starred at Baldwin High School before a standout career at East Carolina. He then went on to become one of the Cleveland Browns’ all-time greatest rushers. Byner has 25 years of NFL experience as a player, coach and front office executive, and joined Tennessee after four seasons as running backs coach for the Washington Redskins. At Washington, Byner coached All-Pro back Clinton Portis to 4,616 yards and 34 touchdowns between 2004-07.

Byner played for the Browns (1984-88, 94-95), Redskins (1989-93) and Ravens (1996-97) during a 14-year NFL career, rushing for 8,261 yards, 56 touchdowns and earning two Pro Bowl selections.

According to the Tennessean, Titans fullback Ahmad Hall said he was sorry to see Byner go.

“EB was a great coach, one of the best I’ve ever had,” Hall said via text. “But I’m sure (Fisher) will find a good one to take his place.’’

The NFL is a tough league and great coaches are let go all the time. It won’t be long before Earnest Byner gets a chance to coach again — after all, the proof is in the pudding.

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