The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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30 Oct 1994: Defensive back Blaine Bishop of the Houston Oilers looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders won the game, 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Alls /

Tennessee Titans: Blaine Bishop takes over for Bubba McDowell

Back when the Tennessee Titans were still the Houston Oilers, they had some pretty good defenses in the late 1980s and early ’90s. A key fixture on that unit was safety Bubba McDowell. Not only was he a physical presence around the line of scrimmage with five sacks but also effective in coverage too, notching 17 interceptions.

Things started to go wrong for him in 1994. Injuries limited him to just nine games that season, forcing the Oilers to elevate former 8th round pick Blaine Bishop to his spot at strong safety. It was a fateful change. Bishop never relinquished control of the job after that, going to four Pro Bowls across his career and helping the Titans to reach the Super Bowl in 1999.

McDowell retired after the 1995 season.

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