The Jets are one of three teams with a head coaching vacancy at this point, and other openings will no doubt be in place once the regular season ends. When the hiring season opens, Mike Vrabel will be among the top names to watch. 
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The former Titans head coach is currently finishing out the 2024 season in his Browns post, but he could very well be on the move soon. Vrabel will “probably” be the most sought-after coach during the offseason, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes. Breer adds each of the three teams currently known to be in need of a new coach (Jets, Saints and Bears) have Vrabel on their radar, which comes as no surprise. New York in particular could emerge as a strong suitor.
Vrabel’s name has come up more often than that of any other HC candidate with respect to the Jets’ opening, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post reports. New York will have competition for the 49-year-old if his market proves to be as strong as it is expected to be. As La Canfora notes, however, the fact that the Jets have a general manager interview lined up with Jon Robinson is an indication Vrabel is high on the team’s list of preferred candidates. Vrabel and Robinson worked together in Tennessee, and reuniting that pairing would represent a feasible move on New York’s part.
The Jets are using The 33rd Team as part of the ongoing general manager and head coaching searches, a process which has seen Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman take point. Their input will be key in informing the organization’s ultimate decision on both fronts, so connections to the candidates for each post are important to monitor. In that regard, Vrabel is a candidate to watch closely.
“Rick Spielman loves Mike Vrabel,” an anonymous executive told La Canfora. “He’s always loved Vrabel. That’s the guy they want.” A GM concurred that Vrabel (meeting the criteria of an experienced NFL head coach) is the Jets’ preferred option.
The Titans made the postseason during three of Vrabel’s first four seasons at the helm, including a trip to the AFC title game in 2019. Over his final two years, though, the team went 13-21 and Tennessee cleaned house by resetting on the sidelines and in the front office. Vrabel’s stock has not taken a hit, given the fact he has been floated as a candidate for the Bears and – should they make a change this winter – the Patriots.
The Browns made a new commitment to Kevin Stefanski with an offseason extension, and owner Jimmy Haslam recently confirmed an organizational reset is not being considered. If Vrabel is to land another head coaching opportunity this offseason, it will therefore come with an outside organization. The Jets will no doubt continue to be linked to him over the coming weeks.
Rex Ryan: “I should be the most sought after coach during the offseason” 🙂
Maybe he can get another tattoo of a bad QB once again!
Vrabel is a good coach, as long as he can bring in a strong offensive coordinator. There’s also something to be said for the Jets hiring a coach who can pick up Woody Johnson by the scruff of his neck like a misbehaving kitten.
This will not be popular, but if they go with Vrabel, I think that they should stick with Rodgers and bolster their offensive line. The problem would be getting Johnson to stay out of affairs-he may have poisoned the well too much to make that possible. You have to wonder why they wouldn’t have just kept Saleh to begin with.
If Vrabel is hired, they’re going to get a placeholder quarterback for a year anyway-unless they want to throw one of these imperfect prospects behind the line that they have now and a single good receiver in Wilson (if Rodgers goes, so will Adams). It’ll be the Zach Wilson/Sam Darnold years all over again. If the Jets choose a young offensive coach instead, one could make an argument for a roster reset, but pairing Vrabel with a veteran quarterback for a year seems like it will happen either way. Why not use the one that you’re already paying in his second year playing there? It won’t be popular, but considering the alternatives, it makes more sense. The only hang up-and granted, it’s a huge one-is Johnson.
Sigh. I could kind of see it. I’m extremely tired of Rodgers the person off the field and Rodgers the power player in an organization, but Rodgers on the field has been better as advertised, even if he’s not an MVP contender anymore. But even with Vrabel, they would need an offensive coach who can say no to Rodgers and make him do things he doesn’t like doing, like LaFleur did. We know Vrabel has worked well with the other LaFleur, but unfortunately, the Jets already made him a scapegoat once before.
Why would Vrabel do that to himself?
I think Vrabel would hate the New York media lmao if anyone is a fit it’s probably raiders if they don’t keep Pierce
@Stabby McShank; agree. Sounds like he’s in demand. IE. Don’t go with the team offering the biggest salary contract, Mike.
Prioritize organizational stability, young fella. My gut says if Sean Payton doesn’t get tripped up in that Dolphins tampering case; he’s still with New Orleans today?! Amatuer hour here, but if you do have a choice between the Saints, Bears and Jets; go with the Saints. Yes? No? Maybe?
Vrabel was made by Henry. As was Arthur Smith. These 2 have made a career off of having the greatest RB of a generation pummel through competition while being in the weakest division of maybe any of the 4 major sports. Buyer beware – this guys a chump.