Why Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh felt connected to Mike Ditka

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh, 47, expressed his connection to former Bears coach Mike Ditka, who passed away at the age of 86 on Oct. 9. Saleh, a tight end in college at Northern Michigan, had a personal affinity for Ditka due to his father's admiration for the iconic coach. Saleh noted that Ditka's revolutionary approach to the tight end position and his success with the 1985 Bears made a significant impact on the game.

The 5-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner, who caught 427 passes for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns in 158 games, coached the 1985 Bears to a championship and was twice named AP NFL Coach of the Year. Saleh mentioned that he often heard about Ditka from friends who were Bears fans and from his own father. The Titans, currently 0-4, will face the Houston Texans, also 0-4, at Nissan Stadium on Oct.

11. Former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who played for Ditka in 1982 and 1984, was not under Ditka's coaching but did coach under Buddy Ryan, Ditka's defensive coordinator.