Hawks' Reinfeldt is reportedly Titans GM favorite

The interview process for the Tennessee Titans' general manager position was completed Monday, and Mike Reinfeldt's name is believed to be at the top of the list of candidates.

That is according to league sources, who also believe Reinfeldt, the Seahawks' vice president of football administration, could get an offer before the end of the week.

The next step in the process for Reinfeldt might be a face-to-face meeting with Titans owner Bud Adams in Houston, from where Adams handles business affairs. Reinfeldt interviewed with Titans coach Jeff Fisher and chief operating officer Steve Underwood last week.

"We as an organization will take the next couple of days to consider the information we have gathered, and possibly conduct further interviews with some of the candidates," Underwood said in a statement Monday night. "Following these discussions, Mr. Adams will make a final decision on our next general manager."

Reinfeldt played defensive back for Adams' Houston Oilers, the forerunner to the Titans organization, from 1976 to 1983.

The Titans seek a replacement for departed general manager Floyd Reese, and have interviewed seven candidates, including Ruston Webster, the Seahawks' vice president of player personnel.

The Seahawks gave the Titans permission to interview Reinfeldt and Webster almost two weeks ago, and Seattle president and GM Tim Ruskell said then that he would hate to lose either of them.

It's not a given that Reinfeldt will take the job if offered, as he has established roots in the Seattle area. The Titans might, then, have to come up with enough money to entice Reinfeldt, according to a report in the Nashville City Paper. The report also mentioned possible reorganization within the Tennessee front office, because the majority of Reinfeldt's NFL executive background is in salary-cap administration, finances and player contract negotiation.

"Yes, he does know the money deal. But the guy played in the National Football League, he knows what players are like as well," Ruskell said Jan. 19. "When we do our evaluations the day after the game, Mike is in there just like everybody else."

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com