NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Long-time Titans strength and conditioning coach Steve Watterson is retiring from his role with the team.

Tom Kanavy, in his 22nd season in the NFL and set to begin his fourth season with the Titans, will take over.

Kanavy previously served as assistant strength and conditioning coach under Watterson with the Titans. Kanavy's previous experience includes eight seasons (2006-2013) as the head of strength and conditioning for the Minnesota Vikings and 11 years (1995-2005) with the Philadelphia Eagles as assistant strength and conditioning coach. He also has experience working for the University of Miami (1993) and his alma mater, Penn State (1993-95).

Watterson served 32 years as the Titans' strength and conditioning coach. He was the longest tenured NFL assistant coach with consecutive years working for the same team. In a statement, he thanked the organization, and controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk.

"I never spent much time thinking about this moment, but as I was preparing for another offseason to begin, it became clear to me that it was time for me to step down and retire," Watterson said in a statement. "I have invested a lifetime in this franchise and have so much love and respect for the people who work here and I only want the best for them. There are so many fantastic memories that I was lucky enough to be a part of during my time here; and I loved getting to work with world-class athletes for more than three decades. Seeing guys improve on a daily and yearly basis was a constant reward. I want to thank Amy and her family for the opportunity to work for this franchise as long as I have and I will be watching with great interest every Sunday. I see great things ahead for this team and I have a ton of confidence in Tom (Kanavy) and Taylor (Porter) as they take the reins."

Titans general manager Jon Robinson thanked Watterson for his contributions.

"I would like to thank Steve for all he has done for this team and this community," Robinson said in a statement. "I have the utmost respect for him and the career he has had. We wish he and his family the best. As we move forward, Tom (Kanavy) will take over as Strength and Conditioning coach and Taylor (Porter) also will remain on the staff."

Watterson was popular because of his tireless and enthusiastic approach during the week, and on the sideline on Sundays. He was the guy in short sleeves and shorts on below-freezing temperature days. He was also known for being a prankster. Over the years, Watterson brought unique ideas to Titans teams as he prepared them for games.

Watterson earned plenty of recognition for his work.

He was instrumental in helping to develop and implement various strength and conditioning programs with the Titans while directing the club's offseason conditioning program. Watterson joined the Houston Oilers in 1986 as strength and conditioning coordinator before becoming an assistant coach in those areas prior to the 1988 season.

The Titans begin their offseason program on Monday.