Titans narrow down to two play-by-play candidates to replace Mike Keith, who left for Tennessee Vols

Tennessee Titans fans still have not recovered from the offseason news that broadcasting icon Mike Keith was leaving the franchise after 27 seasons to become the radio play-by-play voice of the Tennessee Vols. Now, the Titans are preparing to name Keith's replacement.

Multiple sources tell AtoZ Sports Nashville that the Titans have narrowed their search down to SEC Network and Golf Channel broadcaster Taylor Zarzour and Jacksonville Jaguars senior reporter J.P. Shadrick. 

Taylor Zarzour is the Titans best play-by-play option

The Titans have not extended an offer to Zarzour as of Thursday afternoon, but there is mutual interest between the two parties.

The logistics of hiring Zarzour are what Tennessee must accommodate if they are to bring the veteran broadcaster aboard. Zarzour currently serves as a play-by-play commentator for college football and college baseball for the SEC Network in addition being the voice of PGA Tour Radio. Legendary CBS play-by-play commentator Jim Nantz also contacted the Titans to personally endorse Zarzour's candidacy for the position.

Zarzour also has Nashville ties, having previously hosted the Morning Show for Sports Radio 560 in Nashville.

Shadrick has worked for Westwood One Sports, Jaguars Radio Network, Jaguars.com, Touchdown Radio Network, Sky Sports NFL in the United Kingdom, PGA Tour international television partners and social channels, according to his LinkedIn profile. He brings both NFL and major college football play-by-play experience, which is something the Titans prioritized. 

It is a unenviable task to attempt to replace Keith, who served as the Voice of the Titans for their entire duration in the city of Nashville to date. 

Whomever the Titans choose, it will be interesting to see whether the new voice of the team is a full-time position or an independent contractor. Keith's role as Vice President of Broadcasting is not one the Titans intend to replace with just one person, given the scope of the job. Hosting team podcasts, TV and radio shows, speaking to local rotary clubs across multiple states, emceeing team events and so much more in addition to just broadcasting the games all fell under the Mike Keith umbrella.

Most importantly, the Titans will have to find a new brand ambassador who can relate to their currently unsettled fan base.