The Tennessee Titans have moved on from head coach Mike Vrabel after back-to-back losing seasons. The move comes as a surprise as the coach is well-regarded in league circles.
#Titans part ways with HC Mike Vrabel.
“As I told Coach Vrabel, this decision was as difficult as any I’ve made as Controlling Owner.”
This story includes full statement from Amy Adams Strunk.
READ https://t.co/JuqOAmdQ46 pic.twitter.com/2msbBLDrMn
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) January 9, 2024
Vrabel ends his Nashville tenure with a 54-45 record. The coach won the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year Award and led the Titans to the 2019 AFC Championship Game. However, Vrabel’s teams seemingly regressed, with the coach going 6-18 over his last 24 games and finishing 1-5 in division play this season.
Naturally, the reaction around the league has been wild. Let’s take a look at what NFL fans are saying on social media:
This decision will haunt this franchise for years to come
— Animal Mother (@AnimalMother125) January 9, 2024
All you Vrabel haters will soon see just how stupid you are. The players loved him. He was a great coach. The downward spiral gets worse from here. #Titans
I’ve lost faith in Amy.
— MikeVrabelsBurner (@Vrabels_Burner) January 9, 2024
More thoughts to come throughout the day, but firing Mike Vrabel is the wrong decision.#Titans will absolutely come to regret this. I believe that wholeheartedly.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) January 9, 2024
Moving on from Vrabel is bad.
This is even worse. https://t.co/0IiQ1QikPg
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) January 9, 2024
Vrabel will have a job the second he wants one. Players have real love and respect for the man and play hard for him.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) January 9, 2024
Stunner: The Titans Have Fired Mike Vrabel And Screwed Themselves For The Foreseeable Future https://t.co/dKyPgVlrHn pic.twitter.com/pQEgFhyVmE
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 9, 2024
Just spoke to Derrick Henry over the phone, “Wow. Wow. I’m shocked. Coach Vrabel is a leader of men. He is a great coach and teacher. I know he will get another opportunity right away. I look forward to it.”
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 9, 2024
Mike Vrabel is an outstanding coach who will have a line of suitors as long as the eye can see.
Don’t have any idea what the plan for #Titans is but you don’t get better by getting rid of that guy.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) January 9, 2024
Mike Vrabel isn’t the one to blame here. Former GM Jon Robinson’s 2020-22 drafts were an abomination that involved trading away A.J. Brown for a bag of peanuts. pic.twitter.com/VR2y9QiYNx
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) January 9, 2024
It’s safe to say that the majority of the responses seem to think the Titans made a mistake. Vrabel is expected to have a long list of suitors as 5 jobs are currently available other than the Titans. The Patriots’ job is not open yet, but many expect Vrabel to end up in New England.
NFL fans expect to see Vrabel in New England
As mentioned above, the leading theory is that Vrabel ends up in New England. Bill Belichick is widely expected to step away, thus opening the door for Vrabel. Patriot fans were thrilled to hear the news of Vrabel’s firing.
All 10 of Mike Vrabel’s touchdowns with the Patriots.
Offensive weapon. pic.twitter.com/EjRC416x4U
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) January 9, 2024
Tapped in with a source just now following Mike Vrabel’s firing in Tennessee.
The expectation is that he will be the lead candidate for the New England job, operating under the assumption that the job is open. Bill Belichick will not be returning to coach the Patriots.
I’m…
— Cam Marino (@MarinoNFL) January 9, 2024
If Mike Vrabel is coaching the #patriots next season do you want him to bring Derrick Henry (FA) & Ryan Tannehill (FA) in along with drafting Harrison Jr to the Pats ??? #ForeverNE
— Dakota in Braintree (@DakotaSpin) January 9, 2024
I love Belichick and still think he’s a very good coach. But the fact is he’s going to be 72, and won’t be coaching forever.
After a bunch of mediocre seasons and coming off a 4-13 year the Patriots could use a reset, and I think Vrabel fits the organization well. pic.twitter.com/uqUlidIj6Q
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) January 9, 2024