Jake Locker could be helped by Ken Whisenhunt

The Titans need Locker to take the next step if they want to compete in the AFC South, and Whisenhunt could be the answer.

By Matt Verderame Jan 14, 2014, 11:43am EST

/ new

The Tennessee Titans hired Ken Whisenhunt to bring them into the playoffs for the first time since Jeff Fisher was the coach, and part of that mission will rely on making Jake Locker into a top quarterback.

Whisenhunt, who comes in after serving as the San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator for a season, seems like a great fit for Locker and his development, per the Tennessean. Whisenhunt has worked with a bevy of successful signal-callers, including Philip Rivers, Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger.

Locker was having a very nice season in 2013 before sustaining a hip injury that derailed his campaign only four games in. At that point, Locker had thrown seven touchdowns and no interceptions, leading Tennessee to a 3-1 mark. Locker came back and played three more games but never looked right, tossing only a pair of touchdowns and four picks before hurting his foot and being placed on injured reserve.

Whisenhunt has been very successful as a head coach before. During his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, Whisenhunt guided the team to consecutive NFC West crowns and the franchise's only Super Bowl appearance in 2008 before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.