Mike Vrabel, the former Tennessee Titans head coach, is widely expected to land a head coaching position this offseason.
According to reports, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as the favorites to win the Vrabel sweepstakes.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler pointed out that Vrabel is considered a “prime candidate” for the Raiders job.
Unsurprisingly, Las Vegas have been frequently mentioned in connection with Vrabel, particularly given his indirect ties to the organization.
Two of his former New England Patriots teammates, Tom Brady and Richard Seymour, became minority owners of the Raiders earlier this year, strengthening the potential link.
It’s widely thought that Brady would love to hand the head coaching keys off to his former Patriots teammate.
“The buzz seems legitimate based on what I’ve heard around the league. Vrabel is considered a prime candidate to get one of the seven to eight jobs that will inevitably open,” Fowler wrote on ESPN.com
“Some have pegged him for Las Vegas, should the Raiders’ job come open. Brady’s influence as a minority owner there could loom large for Vrabel or others with ties to the former quarterback.
“And if the Bears are looking for a candidate with experience, as some believe they ultimately will, Vrabel’s ability to build a winning culture could be attractive.
“But there are questions attached to Vrabel’s candidacy. What level of control does he want? Is he flexible on staffing? And how would he pair with a new general manager?”
While Vrabel’s name has also surfaced in speculation about the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones appears committed to retaining head coach Mike McCarthy.
Both Jones and quarterback Dak Prescott have publicly endorsed McCarthy, and despite the disastrous season they’re having, it seems like Big Mike might survive.
If the Cowboys opt to stay the course with McCarthy, the Raiders could be in a strong position to land Vrabel – especially if they decide to move on from current head coach Antonio Pierce.
Pierce, who was promoted to the full-time role after serving as interim coach last season, has struggled to deliver results. The Raiders have stumbled to a 2-11 record under his leadership, raising questions about the team’s direction.
Vrabel, the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year, is spending this season as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns.
He was shockingly fired by the Tennessee Titans following the 2023 season. Vrabel had a 54-45 record over six seasons, and experienced solid success in the playoffs.
However, it appears egos got involved and Tennessee decided to head in a different direction. (How’s that working out?)
Now, with several high-profile opportunities likely to arise this offseason, Vrabel appears poised for a second chance.
His achievements as both a player and a coach underscore his qualifications. A former linebacker, Vrabel won three Super Bowl titles with the Patriots before transitioning to coaching and earning widespread respect in the NFL
What are your thoughts on the reports that Vrabel may very well end up with the Raiders???
