Mike Munchak has revealed that the Tennessee Titans' coaching staff have been planning for their season-opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers since the fixtures were published in April.
The AFC South side travel to Heinz Field to face Mike Tomlin's team in week one of the regular season next Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference, the Titans head coach said: "[The coaches have] probably been thinking about Pittsburgh since April I think in some way or another. I don't think you get the players involved in any of that. The players don't need to be thinking that far ahead, obviously.
"As far as coaches, I think all teams do, especially the first couple. Even when you play teams like we're playing the [AFC] West that you don't play very often, you start taking a peek at a lot of them in the months of April, May, and June.
"We played them last year here, so we understand what it's like to play Pittsburgh. It's an exciting way to start the season."
The Titans last reached the playoffs in 2008.