Thanks, Tommy Smith, for retiring as Titans CEO

An open letter to Tommy Smith, who retired as the Titans’ President and CEO on Friday afternoon:

Mr. Thomas Smith,

We’ve never had the opportunity to meet, but I want to send you this note of thanks.

And since you’ve met with very few of the Titans fans around Middle Tennessee during the 17 months that you held the highest position with our NFL team, let me personally thank you for them, too.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you for stepping aside as the Titans’ President and CEO on Friday afternoon.

It is clearly the best offseason move this franchise could make. It’s one that many fans wanted more than signing a quarterback with the second pick in the upcoming NFL draft; more than signing a game-changing defensive star during free agency.

You may not deserve all of the criticism. But I think you’ll admit that your attention was split between your duties as the president and chairman of Adams Resources and Energy, Inc., and your top role with the Titans.

But the 2-14 recent season did come on your watch. And during your tenure, little has been done to pump enthusiasm into a fan base that has become quite apathetic.

The best news is that the team has announced that the new CEO/President will live in Nashville.

Thank goodness!

The local fan base wants their leader to live with them. OK, so the new honcho will likely live in a multimillion-dollar estate in Brentwood, but at least that is 780 miles closer than Houston.

Yes, your jet was only a short flight away. But, let’s be serious. When’s the last time you stepped out on Lower Broadway or shared a lunch with your peer, the Predators’ CEO Jeff Cogen?

Your replacement must be accessible. No, not to the media. There’s no doubt that my colleagues, Jim Wyatt and John Glennon, will form a solid professional relationship with your successor.

It’s the fan base that wants and needs the access. This community has its arms wide open, waiting for an embrace from the Titans brass. It’s a hug that is needed. Desperately.

The new CEO/President should meet with Cogen and learn some lessons from him and Predators President Sean Henry. Yes, I know, I know the NHL has a smaller fan base than the Titans. I know the television ratings are not comparable.

In this city, though, the Preds do a better job of connecting with their fan base than the Titans do with theirs.

It’s a lesson that needs to be learned.

And quickly.

And, of course, the product must improve on the field. Progress must be made during the coming season. That’s why this search needs to go swiftly. If it drags on, the euphoria gained from your resignation won’t last long.

That’s all. Thanks for your time. Enjoy your life in Houston.

Thanks again.

I look forward to meeting your replacement.

Reach Dave Ammenheuser 615-259-8352 and on Twitter @NashSportsEd.