Texans assistant Vrabel is set to meet with Rams
Linebackers coach is latest defense-minded candidate to pursue L.A.’s vacant head-coaching job.
He has no experience as a head coach or coordinator, but Mike Vrabel is among assistants the Rams will interview this week in their search for a head coach.
Vrabel, 41, has been the Houston Texans’ linebackers coach for three seasons. An All-American at Ohio State, he played linebacker for 14 seasons in the NFL and won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots.
Vrabel reportedly turned down an offer to become the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator before last season.
“Great football coach,” Texans Coach Bill O'Brien told the Houston Chronicle when asked about the Rams’ interest in Vrabel. “Communicates well, very knowledgeable of the game.”
With the worst offense in the league the last two seasons, the Rams are thought to favor a coach who can help ignite that element and develop quarterback Jared Goff through their experience or with staff they would hire.
Kevin Demoff, the vice president of football operations, has said the team would not limit its search to offense-minded coaches in the quest to find the best fit.
Vrabel is among several candidates with defense backgrounds. Carolina secondary coach Steve Wilks and New England defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have interviewed with the Rams. Miami defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is expected to be interviewed this week.
Joseph interviewed Tuesday with the Denver Broncos and also is scheduled to interview with the San Diego Chargers.
“We enjoyed visiting with Vance Joseph at our facility today,” Broncos General Manager John Elway tweeted Tuesday. “He has great leadership qualities and a strong vision of what it takes to win.”
Elway also tweeted after interviews last week with Kansas City special-teams coordinator Dave Toub and Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
The Rams are scheduled to speak with Shanahan on Sunday, the day after the Falcons play the Seattle Seahawks in a divisional playoff game at Atlanta.
The Rams could have a second interview this week, with Washington offensive coordinator Sean McVay, who interviewed Monday with the 49ers.