The offseason head coaching market will be loaded with names. While iconic HC Bill Belichick, Lions OC Ben Johnson, and even Colorado HC Deion Sanders will steal headlines, another name may be the most sought-after individual among the options.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Mike Vrabel is getting the “most hype” among the player-turned-coach options. Russini notes that team owners are targeting “culture-builders” as they pursue head coaches. Vrabel earned that reputation during his time as the Titans head coach, and he’s known for relating to his players while also holding them accountable.
Considering the positive view on Vrabel, he was one of the most surprising casualties during last year’s coaching carousel. Tennessee’s 13-21 record between 2022 and 2023 naturally led to his demise. However, there were many pundits who believed Vrabel deserved a longer leash after guiding the Titans to 41 wins between 2018 and 2021 (with three-straight playoff nods, including an AFC Championship appearance).
The 49-year-old was a finalist for the Chargers and Falcons openings this past offseason, and he was loosely connected to a reunion with the Patriots. Ultimately, Vrabel took a consulting gig with the Browns while he eyes a job for the 2025 campaign.
Fortunately for Vrabel, there should be plenty of gigs to choose from. Russini says coaching vacancies could reach double digits, with the reporter comparing the upcoming offseason to 2021, when 10 teams added head coaches. Josina Anderson shares a similar sentiment, noting that she’s heard of seven head coaches who are currently on the hot seat (beyond the interim HCs with the Saints and Jets).
I wonder who his OC will be. I’m guessing it’ll be Mike LaFluer. Unless he goes somewhere like Philly who has an OC
That makes a lot of sense. Hadn’t thought of that. It actually makes me feel even better about him as a candidate
I could see the Jets (who really just should have kept Saleh). I could also see the Cowboys. In fact, any team looking for a veteran head coach to get a team’s culture in order (as opposed to a young innovator to get creative) could consider Vrabel as a younger option to the older notable veteran head coach seeking employment.
I could see those. For some reason, I feel like Jacksonville might be the fit. I can just picture them liking him.
He knows the division already.
Stay in Cleveland, and dump the chump Stefanski.
Browns since he is an Ohio guy.
Stef a COY and earned that, if Stef is okay with Watson still being QB he likely stays though. If ownership is willing to accept their loss at QB they can reset everything.
I understand that there are only 32 head coaching gigs in the league. The best job by far is the team with the best quarterback period. Justin Herbert made the Charger job the most desirable last cycle. The Bengals is where I would want to go. Jacksonville would be better to. Would you want to go to New York for either job? Cleveland? Dallas would be desirable with a league average overpaid qb but would you want to coach in that bubble that’s a total circus?
Saints? Eeeh
Chicago? Bad ownership
Carolina? Even worse ownership
Ben Johnson should just make the right choice.
My wildcard. The hoodie in San Francisco