Mike Munchak has said that he leaves the Tennessee Titans "on the verge of great things".
The head coach was fired by the AFC South side after three seasons in charge and more than 30 years after joining the team as a player.
The 53-year-old told NFL Network: "Words cannot express the sadness for leaving this organisation that I have been a part of for over 30 years.
"Sometimes rebuilding a team and its culture takes time, but I truly believe we were on the verge of great things."
The Titans did not finish a season with a winning record during Munchak's time as head coach.