Titans Sue Southern Cal Over Pola Hire

Staff Report July 26, 2010

The Titans filed a lawsuit Monday in Davidson County Chancery Court against the University of Southern California over the hiring of former running backs coach Kennedy Pola.

According to a report by Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, the lawsuit alleges that USC and first-year head coach Lane Kiffin "maliciously" interfered with Pola's contract with the Titans. The lawsuit states Pola violated a clause in his contract that required him to have written permission from the organization to discuss a job offer from another team.

Pola left the organization to accept the position of offensive coordinator with USC, informing Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher of his decision over the weekend.

Fisher, speaking with the Tennessean, said he was angered by Kiffin's actions in luring Pola away one week before the start of training camp.

"I am very disappointed in Lane Kiffin's approach to this," Fisher said. "Typically speaking when coaches are interested in hiring or discussing potential employment from coaches on respective staffs there is a courtesy call made from the head coach or athletic director indicating there is an interest in talking to the assistant."

Kiffin released a statement through USC in which he said he had spoken with Coach Fisher about the issue.

"Kennedy said he would think about it and get back to us (Saturday)," Kiffin said. "Once Kennedy did call back earlier (Saturday), out of my great respect for Coach Fisher I immediately reached out to Coach to make him aware of the situation. I have spoken with Coach Fisher and he now has an accurate understanding of the timeline of events."

Pola joined the Titans staff in the offseason after a four year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He previously coached at USC as a special teams and running backs coach from 2000 to 2003.  Pola also played fullback for the Trojans from 1982 to 1985.