NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The atmosphere was so cordial at the Titans’ headquarters Friday it was hard to tell that Jeff Fisher was leaving the team.

He stood behind the podium thanking everyone in the building before leaving with a wave. Tennessee’s top executives expressed their gratitude for his work over the years, then discussed how they will replace Fisher after mutually agreeing they had reached a point where “it was time to move on” after 16 full seasons.

“It is just time for a change,” owner Bud Adams said Friday by telephone from his Houston office.

Fisher declined to address details about the decision, but acknowledged some differences with the team. He also looked much more relaxed Friday morning than in weeks, calling it the best decision after two difficult seasons.

The Titans rebounded from an 0-6 start to finish 8-8 in 2009, then wasted a 5-2 start in 2010 by losing eight of the final 10 games for a 6-10 record.

“I’ve been coaching for 25 years, and it’s time. I need a break,” Fisher said. “And I think timing-wise this is a perfect opportunity to do this so the organization can move forward with their plan, and I’ll move forward with whatever happens in the future.”

“I believe both the team and Jeff will benefit in the long run from this move,” Adams said. “I think we have good players. I believe in Steve Underwood and (general manager) Mike Reinfeldt to find our next head coach.”