Vrabel named Titans head coach
Coordinator excited about ‘incredible opportunity’ with AFC South rival
The speedy ascension of Mike Vrabel in the coaching ranks took another major upward turn Saturday when he was named the Tennessee Titans’ new head coach.
Vrabel was defensive coordinator for the Texans for one season before being hired by the Titans. A former All-Pro outside linebacker, Vrabel and Titans general manager Jon Robinson worked previously under New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
Known for his fiery, aggressive style, Vrabel is regarded as a rising star in NFL coaching circles.
“This is an incredible opportunity and one I have been preparing for my entire football life,” Vrabel said. “I want to thank Amy (Titans owner Amy Adams-Strunk), Jon and the entire Titans organization for putting their faith in me. I am excited to get to work and that work starts now. We want to build a culture around winning, competitiveness and toughness.
“Everything we do is going to be geared towards winning and being physical. We want to prepare our players so they know what to do, which will allow them to play fast and aggressive.”
Crennel a candidate
The Texans have a strong candidate to replace Vrabel already on their coaching staff in assistant head coach-defense Romeo Crennel, a veteran defensive guru who coached the AFC South franchise’s top-ranked defense two seasons ago.
Vrabel was the first candidate to interview for the Titans’ job that became vacant when they were unable to reach a contract agreement with former coach Mike Mularkey.
“Mike Vrabel has all of the qualities needed to be a successful head coach in the National Football League, and I am very proud to see him receive this opportunity,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “Mike is smart, organized, and a leader.
“He gets the most out of his players through the mutual respect he establishes with them. He is well prepared to lead the Tennessee Titans organization.”
Vrabel previously interviewed with the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts this month.
The Titans’ other candidates included Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
A former Ohio State assistant coach and Texans linebackers coach, Vrabel was linked to the Rams’ job that went to Sean McVay last year.
“I have always had a great deal of respect for Mike as a player and as a coach,” Robinson said. “I saw him up close as a player for the Patriots and saw how he prepared himself to be successful on a daily basis. He was the ultimate team-first player, and he embodies that same mindset as a coach. He is intelligent, energetic, detailed and a leader whose deep passion for this game will resonate with our players.
“As a coach, I have seen him develop talent at both the college and NFL level, and put players in position for them to be successful. I am excited to get him in front of our team and watch us grow together as a team.”
Vrabel turned down the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator opening two years ago before later being promoted to that job by the Texans.
In his first season as defensive coordinator after previously being linebackers coach, the injuryravaged defensive unit ranked last in the NFL in points allowed per game.
The Texans were ranked first in total defense a year ago, but they were impacted their inability to rush the passer as end J.J. Watt broke his leg and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus tore his pectoral muscle.
Played 14 seasons in NFL
First, Vrabel was a position coach at Ohio State. Then, he coached the Texans’ linebackers. Then, he was tasked with coaching the entire defense this past season.
Vrabel played in the NFL for 14 seasons and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, where he doubled as a pass-catching tight end in the red zone with a dozen touchdown receptions.
For his career, he recorded 722 tackles, 57 sacks, 42 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, 20 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries.
“I am excited to have Mike Vrabel joining our organization as our new head coach,” AdamsStrunk said. “In the interaction between Mike and Jon during the interview, you could see their connection right away from the history they have with one another — seeing the game in a similar way and talking the same language. Mike has a commanding presence and a deep knowledge for how he will attack this head coaching opportunity.
“Throughout his football career, he has played for, been mentored by and coached with successful teams and organizations. He knows what it takes to reach that level of sustained success — he has seen it first-hand.
“We have a chance to build on the solid foundation that we established over the past couple of years, and I believe Mike is the right person to continue that progress.”
Clowney endorsement
During the season, Texans Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney said he believes Vrabel is head-coaching material.
“He’s a smart guy,” Clowney said. “He’s the same guy every day. High-energy guy. He brings the best out of his players and he’s a good coach.”