Tennessee Titans

Former Titans GM Reese: Jon Robinson 'a great match' for team

Published Jan. 15, 2016 12:59 a.m. ET

foxsports

After spending 12 years as general manager of the Tennessee Titans, Floyd Reese knows a thing or two about what it takes to do the job.

With Thursday's hiring of Tampa Bay Buccaneers executive Jon Robinson, Reese, who spent from 1994-2006 as Tennessee's GM said Titans' management made an excellent choice.

Reese spent four years as a senior football advisor in New England after leaving the Titans. During that time, he had first-hand exposure to Robinson, who spent 12 seasons with the Patriots, including four as the team's director of college scouting.

Via Tennessee's official website:

“One of the biggest concerns I always had coming out of New England, because Bill (Belichick) runs everything, is there’s not a lot of guys that have a chance to make decisions, and when you get thrown into a GM situation like this, making a decision is the hardest thing to do," Reese said. "… If you’ve never done it, it is tough.

“One of the things I always liked about Jon is he was one of those guys that wanted to tell you, he wanted to give you his opinion. He had an opinion, and had reason and logic and something behind it. And I’m telling you, the guy is smart.”

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht echoed Resse's sentiments. Licht worked with Robinson in New England before bringing him to Tampa Bay as the team's director of player personnel.

“During our 14 years together, Jon has been a valued co-worker and trusted advisor, but more importantly, a great friend," Licht said. "He was the first person I attempted to hire when I was named general manager of the Buccaneers and I was fortunate to have him by my side these past two years. Based on all that I know about Jon, I am certain he will enjoy great success with the Tennessee Titans. They could not have hired a better person to lead their football operations.”

During Robinson's tenure in New England, the Patriots drafted players like tight end Rob Gronkowski, safety Devin McCourty and wide receiver Julian Edelman. The Titans are hoping the Tennessee native can duplicate that success as he takes over a roster that finished 3-13 in 2015.