In shocking news, the Tennessee Titans announced the firing of head coach Mike Vrabel on Tuesday.
Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement, revealing the difficult decision to part ways with Vrabel, who had meant so much to the franchise.
“Earlier today, I spoke with Mike Vrabel and told him about my decision to make a change at head coach. As I told Coach Vrabel, this decision was as difficult as any I’ve made as Controlling Owner,” Strunk stated.
Titans part ways with head coach Mike Vrabel. pic.twitter.com/tLYLE32beF
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2024
The move comes a year after the Titans hired Ran Carthon as the general manager, signaling a shift in the team’s approach to football leadership.
There have been plenty of rumblings that Vrabel did not approve of the Carthon hire and the two may have butted heads over the past year.
Strunk emphasized the importance of an aligned and collaborative team across all football functions for sustained success in the evolving NFL landscape.
“As the NFL continues to innovate and evolve, I believe the teams best positioned for sustained success will be those who empower an aligned and collaborative team across all football functions,” she stated.
“Last year, we began a shift in our approach to football leadership and made several changes to our personnel to advance that plan. As I continued to assess the state of our team, I arrived at the conclusion that the team would also benefit from the fresh approach and perspective of a new coaching staff.”
This won’t fix anything. Vrabel will have a job in no time.
— Kyle Reese (@NoVaxAllFacts) January 9, 2024
Vrabel, 48, led the Titans to four consecutive winning seasons since his arrival in 2018 but faced consecutive frustrating seasons, finishing well below .500.
The Titans concluded the 2023 season with a disappointing 6-11 record.
“I will never shy away from acknowledging that I have unapologetically high expectations for the football team and every aspect of the Titans organization. Our vision is not simply to produce more wins than losses, it is to regularly compete for championships. While this season was disappointing, I see early signs of progress taking shape,” Strunk added.
💯He could have a job before the end of the week. Vrabel is a fantastic coach and will land on his feet.
— SeanWinnett (@SeanWinnett) January 9, 2024
Despite the challenging season, Strunk expressed optimism for the future, pointing to the team’s promising young quarterback Will Levis, selected in the second round of last year’s draft.
The Titans currently hold the #7 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
Star running back Derrick Henry, set to become a free agent in March, expressed his shock at Vrabel’s firing, praising him as a “leader of men” and a “great coach and teacher.”
“Wow. Wow. I’m shocked … I know he will get another opportunity right away. I look forward to it,” Henry added.
I don’t know what the problem is in Tennessee but it wasn’t Mike Vrabel. We’d sure as hell take him in Chicago but our front office is even stupider. pic.twitter.com/ODkIOsOxIT
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) January 9, 2024
Vrabel guided the Titans to back-to-back AFC South championships in 2020 and 2021, securing the #1 seed in the AFC in 2021 and earning him the title of NFL Coach of the Year.
His tenure concludes with a 54-45 record, including a 2-3 postseason record and a memorable run to the AFC Championship Game in 2019.
He's been my top choice as HC IF the Patriots and Bill part ways.
— Ann Marie Alabaugh (@cowgirl_up5223) January 9, 2024
Naturally, plenty of people have speculated that Vrabel will end up in New England as Bill Belichick’s replacement.
Do you see that happening?
Owner Robert Kraft will need to of course cut ties with Belichick first – something he’s yet to do … But assuming he’s gone, do you see Vrabel as a perfect fit for the Patriots the way most people do???