“Fred is someone that I have a great deal of respect for and will bring 30 years of wide receiver coaching experience to his position group,” said Titans head coach Jeff Fisher. “When he came in for a visit there was an instant comfort level with him and the staff, which should make for an easy transition for him, the staff and the players.”
Graves joins the Titans from the Detroit Lions, where he coached the wide receivers in 2005. His corps of wide receivers totaled 148 receptions for 1,810 yards and WR Roy Williams continued to mature into a future star with a career-high eight touchdowns. He spent one season coaching the wide outs for the Cleveland Browns in 2004. His first job in the NFL was with the Buffalo Bills on Gregg Williams’ staff from 2001 until 2003. In 2002, the Bills receivers posted eye-popping numbers with the trio of Eric Moulds, Peerless Price and Josh Reed combining for 231 receptions, 3,053 yards and 21 touchdowns. Moulds became the first Bills receiver to reach the 100-reception mark in a season and earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Graves spent 26 years coaching in the college ranks with 19 of those years (1982-00) spent at his alma mater, Utah. While coaching for the Utes, he held a number of positions, including assistant head coach/wide receivers (1994, 1998-00), offensive coordinator/wide receivers (1995-97), wide receivers (1982-89, 1991-93) and running backs (1990). In his tenure, he tutored future NFL players Kevin Dyson (Titans) and Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers). Graves coaching career began at Northeast Missouri State (1975-76) and includes stints at Western Illinois (1977-78) and New Mexico State (1979-81).
Graves played halfback and split end for the University of Utah and led the team in receptions with 45 in his senior year.
Graves replaces Ray Sherman who was hired by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason.
Graves’ coaching background:
Detroit Lions (2005, WR); Cleveland Browns (2004, WR); Buffalo Bills (2001-03, WR); Utah (1982-89, 91-00, WR; 1990, RB); New Mexico State (1979-81, TE/WR); Western Illinois (1977-78, TE/WR); Northeast Missouri St. (1975-76, TE/WR)