NFL: Kiffin, Southern Cal being sued by Titans

The Tennessee Titans are suing the University of Southern California and head football coach Lane Kiffin for "maliciously" luring away assistant running backs coach Kennedy Pola a week before training camp opens.

Tennessee Football Inc., the company that owns the Titans, filed the lawsuit Monday in Davidson County Chancery Court against both the university and Kiffin.

The lawsuit accuses Southern Cal and Kiffin of violating the requirement in Pola's contract that he have written permission to discuss a job with anyone other than the Titans.

Tennessee hired Pola as running backs coach in February - only to lose him Saturday to Southern Cal as the Trojans' new offensive coordinator.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher, a Southern Cal alumnus, said Saturday that Kiffin neglected to make the customary courtesy phone call to let him and the NFL team know he was interested in hiring Pola.

The move left the Titans without a running backs coach one week before training camp opens, which the lawsuit argues disrupts planning, causes "potential loss of confidence by players" and the loss of salary and benefits already paid to Pola along with "future damage."

The lawsuit notes Kiffin tried to hire Eric Bienemy away from the Vikings, forcing Minnesota to redo his contract. (Vikings' coach Brad Childress confirmed Monday that Bieniemy will now be assistant head coach for the offense.)

The lawsuit asks for a jury trial, punitive damages and attorneys fees.

Bengals. Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown said on Monday that the team has discussed a contract with receiver Terrell Owens and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The Bengals passed on the chance to sign the 36-year-old receiver after a tryout in March.

Signings. The Chicago Bears signed former Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel to a two-year contract. . . . The Cleveland Browns signed running back Montario Hardesty, a second-round pick acquired from the Eagles for a third-rounder and two fifth-rounders. . . . The New Orleans Saints signed second-rounder Charles Brown, a left tackle. . . . The Green Bay Packers signed second-round pick Mike Neal, a defensive end. . . . The Oakland Raiders signed second-rounder Lamarr Houston, a defensive end.