HEADLINES

Mike Vrabel

Patriots Likely To Retain HC Jerod Mayo

December 22nd, 2024 at 10:23am CST by Ben Levine

DECEMBER 22: In contrast to Breer’s report that “all bets are off” as far as Mayo’s job security is concerned, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network confirms that Kraft wants to keep Mayo and believes the first-year HC is the right long-term leader for the franchise (video link). Rapoport acknowledges that a collapse over the final three games of the season could change Kraft’s thinking, but otherwise Mayo appears to be safe.

Mayo attempted to do some damage control with respect to the perception that he publicly slighted Van Pelt, and per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, multiple veterans have privately offered support for Mayo. Those players note that the locker room remains united, and that the team has been more competitive than its 3-11 record would suggest.

In a public interview, veteran defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. said, “there’s a lot of coaches whose first year isn’t that good and they go on to do great things … [Mayo] always brings high energy, always does a good job coaching guys while critiquing them and motivating them at the same time. Yes, we want to have more wins. That’s obvious. But at the same time, what he is doing I think will work out in the future.”

DECEMBER 16: Jerod Mayo added another loss to his resume yesterday, leading to renewed talks of his job status heading into the offseason. Before yesterday’s ugly outing vs. the Cardinals, Dianna Russini of The Athletic deemed Mayo safe, noting that Robert Kraft has privately committed to the head coach beyond the 2024 campaign.

Russini adds that Kraft is willing to give Mayo the “time and resources” needed to “grow into the role,” a common sentiment among owners with unsuccessful first-year coaches. The team understood that Mayo would have a “steep learning curve,” and things would certainly operate differently after Bill Belichick ran the show for decades. Russini notes that the Patriots organization still believes in Mayo’s coaching prowess, although it sounds like team brass are still waiting for him to find his coaching identity.

A source shared similar sentiments to Josina Anderson, claiming that Mayo wouldn’t be one-and-done in New England. The source preached patience, pointing to Dan Campbell’s 4-19 start in Detroit. The Patriots still have a shot at finishing with the league’s worst record, and the team’s performance over the next few weeks could change the thinking around Mayo, but Anderson’s source was clear that there was “never any consideration” to firing the coach after only one season. Similarly, ESPN’s Mike Reiss writes that it would be a “surprise” if the team suddenly moved on from Mayo (along with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf).

Riding a three-game losing streak into the bye, the week off seemed to temporarily quiet talks of Mayo’s job status. It only took one game for the hot seat to fire back up, with Albert Breer of SI.com saying today that “all bets are off” following yesterday’s debacle (via Yahoo’s Darren Hartwell). Mayo drew the scrutiny of pundits after seemingly throwing OC Alex Van Pelt under the bus, and those comments may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. Breer points to former Titans coach Mike Vrabel as a potential option, noting that ownership may have to get bold if they want to take their “one shot” at the former Patriots star.

Mayo and his squad have shown only brief stretches of success this season. After winning the season opener, the team lost a tight overtime game to the Seahawks in Week 2 (although Mayo drew some criticism for his decision making in that loss). Then, between Week 8 and Week 10, the Patriots won two games and lost another in overtime. Otherwise, the Patriots have barely sniffed a win, and the team’s active four-game losing streak has been especially ugly. With two showdowns against the Bills looming, it could somehow get even uglier, and an embarrassing end to the season could also mark the end of Mayo’s short-lived tenure as Patriots head coach.

Rory Parks contributed to this post.

Mike Vrabel Latest: McDaniels, Rees, Cowden, Ohio State

December 18th, 2024 at 4:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

After being shut out during this year’s HC interview cycle, Mike Vrabel is expected to resurface as one of the top candidates in 2025. Vrabel has built considerable momentum considering where his stock was coming off his Titans firing, to the point staff options are starting to emerge in connection with the second-chance HC aspirant.

Vrabel has already been connected to the Bears, Jets and Patriots. It would stand to reason the six-year HC veteran will take a few interviews. Unlike former mentor Bill Belichick, Vrabel appears likely to become an NFL head coach again soon.

Prior to what could be a blitz of Vrabel rumors over the next several weeks, SI.com’s Albert Breer connected him to two offensive coordinator options during an interview with ESPN 1000‘s Kap & J.Hood; h/t Yardbarker.com. Browns pass-game specialist Tommy Rees is coming up in connection with a Vrabel hire, while Breer adds Josh McDaniels — whose Patriots tenure overlapped with Vrabel’s linebacker run in New England — is also being mentioned as a potential Vrabel OC.

Vrabel has worked as a Browns consultant this year, doing so while Rees has served as the team’s QBs coach. Rees previously spent three years as Notre Dame’s OC and was Alabama’s offensive play-caller in Nick Saban’s final season. Rees is just 32 and has been an NFL staffer for one year, but he certainly brings worthwhile college credentials.

A veteran of the HC interview circuit, McDaniels appears highly unlikely to be asked to lead a team again. His one season leading an offense away from the Patriots (a 2011 Rams gig) did not go well, either. But McDaniels being onboard during Tom Brady‘s rise and again during the legend’s extended run in his 30s and 40s should keep him in conversations. Though, the ex-Raiders coach did not partake in any known interviews following that firing. McDaniels and Vrabel overlapped in New England from 2001-08, and Breer notes the Cleveland-area natives have maintained a relationship since. McDaniels makes for a natural North Carolina OC candidate, seeing as he helped his former boss pick a destination in recent weeks. But McDaniels has not coached in college since 1999.

Vrabel, 49, is also being loosely tied to one of his former Titans coworkers. Not every team looking to hire a head coach will be in the GM market; the Bears are not, and it does not look like the Saints are firing Mickey Loomis. But the Jets are; the Jaguars may be in this boat soon, too. If a GM slot is available, Breer adds Ryan Cowden could be a name to watch. Cowden took a job with the Giants after his interim GM stay with the Titans wrapped. Vrabel wanted Cowden to be named full-time GM in Tennessee, with that being among the causes of friction between the then-Titans HC and ownership.

An interesting competitor could emerge for Vrabel as well. Ryan Day’s Ohio State status may depend on how the Buckeyes fare in the upcoming playoff, and Graziano adds rumblings have pegged Vrabel as a top candidate if that job becomes open. Vrabel is an Ohio State alum who coached under Urban Meyer from 2011-13, between his retirement as a player and debut as an NFL assistant.

Belichick looks to have taken the North Carolina job because no surefire NFL landing spot would reveal itself. Vrabel, however, probably has a much better shot to land a job soon. Though, it will be interesting to see where Ohio State — should the Big Ten power move on from Day — would fall in Vrabel’s pecking order.

Mike Vrabel Jets’ Preferred HC Candidate?

December 17th, 2024 at 10:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

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.

[RELATED: Bill Belichick Contacted Jets About HC Gig]

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.

Bears To Prioritize Leadership Ability In Next HC; GM Ryan Poles Expected To Be Retained

December 1st, 2024 at 10:08pm CST by Rory Parks

The Bears will be in the market for a new head coach this offseason, and per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the club believes its vacancy is the most attractive one that will be available. With a promising rookie-contract quarterback in Caleb Williams and a bevy of other offensive talent, over $80MM in projected salary cap space, and a new stadium project in the offing, Chicago is hopeful it will be able to land the candidate of its choice.

According to Jones, the Bears hope to hire a “leader of men” type of head coach. In other words, the candidate’s status as an offensive or defensive savant will not be as much of a priority as that person’s mental toughness and leadership abilities. The successes of Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh and Dan Campbell in Detroit have underscored the importance of those qualities, and recent HC hirees Raheem Morris, Dan Quinn, Jerod Mayo, and Jim Harbaugh also fit the “leader of men” mold (although those coaches, like almost all coaches, also offer an offensive or defensive background).

Scott Bair of the Marquee Sports Network agrees that leadership skills, along with in-game management prowess, are traits the Bears will be seeking in their next HC. However, Bair does believe that a brilliant offensive mind, or someone that can bring such a mind on board, will also be a prerequisite, which jibes with earlier reports on the matter. He names Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson, Kliff Kingsbury, Aaron Glenn, and Joe Brady as external HC candidates, while Jones adds Brian Flores and Bill Belichick as possible targets. As reported previously, interim head coach Thomas Brown will also have a chance at the permanent gig.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network (video link) acknowledges that the Bears’ opening will be coveted, and he also believes that Kingsbury will be under consideration. Of course, the team interviewed the former Cardinals’ HC this past offseason for its offensive coordinator post, although it was reported that the summit was really more of an intel-gathering session on Williams, whom Kingsbury coached at USC and whom the Bears were preparing to select with the No. 1 overall pick of this year’s draft. Naturally, the Kingsbury-Williams connection will drive a great deal of Kingsbury-Chicago speculation during the upcoming cycle.

Johnson, meanwhile, will again be one of the hottest candidates on the market, and he is expected to remain very selective about his next destination. On that note, ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously said that Johnson could opt to steer clear of the Bears due to perceived organizational dysfunction, although Schefter may have changed his stance. During his appearance on Sunday NFL Countdown today, Schefter said that Johnson might indeed have some interest in the Chicago job (video link).

Jones and Peter Schrager of FOX Sports (video link) also see Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman as a dark horse candidate for the Bears’ HC post. Freeman, who was actually drafted by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2009 draft, has led the Fighting Irish to an 11-1 record and a likely spot in the College Football Playoff field in his first year at the helm. Freeman was recently named as one of the college coaches expected to receive NFL HC interest in 2025.

Per Jones, it is unclear who will make the final decision on the club’s next HC. Of course, owner George McCaskey will have considerable input, but team president Kevin Warren will be heavily involved as well. One way or another, though, GM Ryan Poles’ job is safe, and he will be a part of the search. 

There were some recent rumblings that Poles could be handed his walking papers at season’s end, but prior reports indicated that Poles and Warren are aligned in their vision for the team, and both Jones and Rapoport report that the GM – who was originally hired just two days before the recently-dismissed Matt Eberflus – will be retained. Interestingly, Rapoport says that Poles will “assist” Warren in running the search, which would seem to corroborate the league-wide perception that Warren is the one making the calls.

Latest On Mike Vrabel’s 2025 Coaching Candidacy

November 18th, 2024 at 9:05pm CST by Ben Levine

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).

Browns Notes: Chubb, Vrabel, Cooper, Hicks

August 16th, 2024 at 6:46pm CST by Adam La Rose

Nick Chubb‘s 2023 season ended with a major knee injury which required two surgeries to repair. The four-time Pro Bowler started training camp, as expected, on the active/PUP list. He could be activated at any point, but missed time to start the campaign would come as no surprise.

A roster projection from The Athletic’s Zac Jackson predicts Chubb will begin the season on the reserve/PUP list (subscription required). Such a designation would require at least a four-game absence as Chubb continued to recover. The 28-year-old’s Week 1 availability has been a question mark throughout the offseason, although Cleveland has remained optimistic he will be able to suit up at some point in 2024.

Chubb agreed to a pay cut this offseason, putting to rest speculation the Browns could move on. Only one year remains on his contract, however, so returning to full health and his previous form will be critical for his future. Once roster cutdowns take place later this month, a decision on placing Chubb on the PUP list or leaving the door open to a debut before Week 5 will be made.

Here are some other notes out of Cleveland:

  • Mike Vrabel did not land a head coaching position after his Titans ouster, but he joined the Browns in March. The 49-year-old will work as a consultant on Kevin Stefanski‘s staff. Those efforts have included work in a number of capacities this offseason, but Vrabel said (via Tony Grossi of The Land on Demand) he will not have a role on gamedays. Needless to say, an under-the-radar gig in 2024 will likely not help his chances of landing a HC (or coordinator) job during the 2025 hiring cycle.
  • Wideout Amari Cooper worked out a restructure by having most of his base salary converted into a signing bonus and $5MM in incentives added for 2024. On the latter point, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports notes the pending free agent will collect $500K for a second-team All-Pro nod or $1MM for first-team honors. A five-time Pro Bowler, Cooper has yet to receive All-Pro recognition during his career. In addition, Jones details that he will receive between $1MM and $4MM based on individual and team performances. A season of 1,251 or more yards without a playoff berth would land on the low end of that range, while 1,400+ yards and a Super Bowl would lead to maximum earnings.
  • Linebacker Jordan Hicks has been out of practice since August 4 with an undisclosed injury, and Stefanski called him “week to week” (h/t Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk). The 32-year-old signed a two-year, $8MM pact in free agency and he is slated to start at linebacker with his new team. Being to return to the field for even a brief period before Week 1 would thus be a welcomed development for team and player in his case.

Browns To Add Mike Vrabel To Staff

March 15th, 2024 at 12:39pm CST by Sam Robinson

Mike Vrabel did not land a head coaching job and was not closely tied to any coordinator opening. While this profiles as a gap year for the former Titans HC, he has a gig lined up.

The Browns are hiring Vrabel as a coaching and personnel consultant, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Field Yates report. This will bring Vrabel back to Ohio, where he played and coached previously. The Ohio State alum is also an Akron native.

Vrabel has been working for the Browns since the Combine, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. He will work with the AFC North team this season. This reminds of Vic Fangio‘s gap-year setup with the Eagles in 2022, but word of that partnership did not come out until the season was nearly finished. The Browns look to be set to involve Vrabel in their offseason plan.

Vrabel, 48, interviewed for for the Chargers, Falcons and Panthers’ HC jobs this offseason. Seahawks connections emerged at multiple points, but no interview transpired. As was the case with his former mentor, Bill Belichick, Vrabel found himself out of the mix despite being a well-regarded leader. The former NFL Coach of the Year figures to be a better bet to be coveted in 2025 compared to Belichick, whose age (72 in April) will work against him. While no Belichick connections to a team have emerged, Vrabel is jumping back in as he presumably prepares for his next move.

Fangio spent the 2022 season as an Eagles consultant, and the team had hoped to keep him on as its defensive coordinator. That came to fruition a year later, but Vrabel’s situation should differ. Fangio’s age and middling work as Broncos HC moved him off the radar for a top job, as he had committed to hopping back on the DC carousel. Vrabel should be expected to be an HC candidate again soon, and he will take what could well be a part-time position in Cleveland in the meantime.

Prior to becoming a Texans assistant, Vrabel began his coaching career at his alma mater. He coached under Urban Meyer at Ohio State from 2011-13. Going to high school in the Cleveland area (Cuyahoga Falls), Vrabel makes for an interesting fit close to his hometown. He will work alongside Kevin Stefanski and DC Jim Schwartz.

Coaching Notes: Vrabel, Fangio, Dolphins, Eagles, Marrone, Saints, Titans, Bills

February 6th, 2024 at 4:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

Seeing as Mike Vrabel went from highly regarded HC to trade candidate to bumped off this year’s carousel entirely, potential reasoning behind the ex-Titans boss’ standing is certainly relevant. Vrabel’s old-school, intimidating style may have been a factor in him not landing a job, with a GM going so far as to mention to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini this even could even extend to his physical stature. The former NFL linebacker also may have found himself pigeonholed as a slightly older candidate, even at 48, than some owners wanted, Russini offered during an appearance on The Athletic Football Show. Only Jim Harbaugh (60) and Dan Quinn (53) was older among this year’s eight HC hires. Vrabel interviewed for the Falcons, Panthers and Chargers’ jobs.

Some teams were interested in hiring Vrabel as a defensive coordinator, Russini adds, but the six-year NFL HC has not been connected to any specific coordinator jobs. With not many DC positions left, Vrabel seems likely to join Bill Belichick as coaches on the outside looking in this year. Vrabel may stand to have a better chance of landing another HC job moving forward, with Belichick set to turn 72 in April. For now, however, he is out of the league. The reports about Vrabel clashing with Titans ownership may have impacted his chances as well.

Here is the latest from the coaching ranks:

  • On the subject of coaching clashes, Vic Fangio‘s style did not appear to draw universal praise while with the Dolphins. Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland and rookie Cam Smith expressed issues with the veteran DC, ProFootballNetwork.com’s Adam Beasley notes. While praising Fangio’s old-school demands, Tyreek Hill also relayed a rumor about others indicating behind closed doors the team’s 2023 DC wanted to return to Philadelphia. Previously mentioned as rubbing some in Miami the wrong way, Fangio is indeed back with the Eagles. The Dolphins have hired ex-Ravens D-line coach Anthony Weaver to replace him.
  • Preparing to hire Klint Kubiak as offensive coordinator, the Saints will not extend Doug Marrone‘s second stint with the team into the 2024 season. In place as the Saints’ offensive line coach from 2022-23, Marrone will not be asked back, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football tweets. The Saints have veteran O-line coach John Benton as a frontrunner to fill the spot, NOLA.com’s Luke Johnson adds. Benton, 60, would be a logical hire. He worked as Gary Kubiak‘s O-line coach for eight years in Houston and was the 49ers’ O-line coach under Kyle Shanahan from 2017-20. After following Robert Saleh to New York in 2021, Benton spent this past season out of football.
  • Former Falcons assistants Steve Jackson and Frank Bush will be part of new Titans DC Dennard Wilson‘s staff, ESPN.com’s Turron Davenport tweets. A former Texans DC and interim Jets DC, Bush was on Arthur Smith‘s Falcons staff as linebackers coach for three years. This will be a return trip for Jackson, who has a history as a player and a coach with the franchise. A former Oilers cornerback, Jackson finished his career in Super Bowl XXXIV with the Titans. He later served as assistant DBs coach under Mike Mularkey in Tennessee from 2016-17. Jackson spent the past two seasons with the Falcons.
  • The Bills are moving senior defensive assistant Al Holcomb to a position coach role. The former Panthers DC will replace Bobby Babich as Buffalo’s linebackers coach, ESPN.com’s Alaina Getzenberg notes. Babich is now Buffalo’s DC. Holcomb, who worked with Sean McDermott in Carolina, joined the Bills last year. The AFC East champs are also promoting Marcus West from assistant defensive line coach to D-line coach to replace Eric Washington, who became the Bears’ DC last month.

2024 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker

February 1st, 2024 at 9:55am CST by Sam Robinson

The Commanders’ hire has wrapped this year’s cycle. Barring a team making an 11th-hour change, the 2024 HC carousel has come to a stop. The final breakdown produced five defensive coaches being hired compared to three with backgrounds on offense. Many teams are still searching for offensive and defensive coordinators, however.

Updated 2-1-24 (10:37am CT)

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

New England Patriots

  • Jerod Mayo, linebackers coach (Patriots): Hired

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Jim Harbaugh To Earn $16MM Per Year; Chargers Had Mike Vrabel As Second Choice?

January 31st, 2024 at 2:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

After their round of rookie head coaches failed to produce a consistent winner, the Chargers are giving the keys to Jim Harbaugh. The longtime Michigan HC is expected to have final roster say over new GM Joe Hortiz. As expected, a lucrative contract comes with this job.

A report just before Harbaugh agreed to terms with the Bolts indicated the team would not quite meet his initial asking price, which was believed to be in the $18MM-per-year range — a salary Sean Payton is believed to have secured from the Broncos. But the Chargers will pay their new head coach in the same NFL tax bracket, with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio indicating Harbaugh secured a $16MM salary. On a five-year deal, Harbaugh has locked in $80MM.

Coaching salaries remain a mysterious topic in the NFL, since they do not have to be disclosed like player contracts do. No salary cap exists for coaching deals, giving the wealthier owners an advantage in terms of wooing top-tier options. The Chargers do not fall into that category and have been regularly labeled as frugal. This perception affected the organization during its most recent search, but the team that serves as the Rams’ tenant at SoFi Stadium cannot be accused of being cheap this time around.

Michigan is believed to have offered Harbaugh a 10-year deal worth $125MM, but language regarding a potential NCAA suspension and how the Wolverines planned to handle their HC’s annual NFL flirtations complicated matters. The 60-year-old coach came into Chargers negotiations with that as leverage, along with the Falcons’ interest. Harbaugh had scheduled a second Falcons meeting, but amid negotiations with the Bolts, the veteran HC tabled that Atlanta trip.

While this coaching salary is not top-of-the-line money, it is in the upper echelon. To illustrate how much the NFL has changed financially, Harbaugh was tied to a $3.25MM base salary when the Ravens traded him to San Diego in 1999.

Harbaugh will now go about his latest attempt to elevate a team, having done so everywhere he has been previously. Given the value a good head coach provides, $16MM is a relative bargain on an uncapped market. Had Harbaugh boarded the plane to follow through with his second Falcons meeting, however, the Chargers may have needed to go to one of their backup plans. The silver medalist in this race is unlikely to land a coaching job this year.

Had Harbaugh not committed to the Chargers during his second interview, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said during a Pat McAfee Show appearance Mike Vrabel was likely positioned as the team’s second choice. Vrabel interviewed with the Chargers, Falcons and Panthers during this cycle. It has been rather surprising to see the well-regarded HC drift off the radar during this cycle, especially considering the trade rumors that followed him during his final weeks with the Titans. With the Commanders not expected to include him in any course change, Vrabel would be forced to take an assistant job or spend the season out of the NFL.

Vrabel, 48, has coached in the NFL since 2014, serving as the Texans’ defensive coordinator after a three-year run as linebackers coach under Bill O’Brien. Despite Houston’s defense not playing particularly well under then-DC Vrabel in 2017, the assistant wowed Tennessee brass in his HC interview and became a successful HC. He guided the Titans to three straight playoff berths and signed an extension early during the 2022 offseason. Clashes with ownership following GM Jon Robinson‘s ouster led Vrabel out of Nashville.

Vrabel has experience coaching at the college level as well, beginning his coaching career with three seasons on Urban Meyer‘s Ohio State staff. It remains to be seen if Vrabel would consider a college gig again, but it appears the six-year Titans HC will not be leading an NFL team in 2024.

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