Firing Mike Vrabel is an IMPULSIVE and BrainDead decision by the Titans
The Titans have fired Mike Vrabel. Adam Schefter broke the news on a quiet Tuesday afternoon that the Titans and Head Coach Mike Vrabel will go their separate ways after six seasons. Vrabel led Tennessee to four winning seasons, two division titles, and an AFCG appearance in his six seasons as HC. Let's break down this shocking move and what it means for the franchise's future...
Reports have surfaced over the past few days that Vrabel and GM Ran Carthon don't have a steady relationship, and collaboration has been an issue between the two. Many sources then began to speculate that Vrabel wanted out of Tennessee because of this "broken relationship" with Carthon, but the Athletic’s Dianna Russini dropped a bombshell that refutes this claim after news of Vrabel’s firing broke…
Dianna Russini, who has close ties to Vrabel and the Titans organization, reported that Mike Vrabel never asked out of Tennessee and never asked the team to trade him. This report suggests that the former New England Patriots linebacker had full intentions to return as the Titans head coach in 2024, but Owner Amy Adams Strunk didn't have the same vision. Carthon and Vrabel may have had a tough time collaborating, but it didn’t lead to Mike wanting out. This was a decision made by Titans ownership, and it will come back to bite them in the future…
Firing Mike Vrabel was an impulsive and braindead decision by Controlling Owner Amy Adams Strunk. Tennessee has fielded one of the worst rosters in the NFL over the past two seasons, and not many (if any) head coaches would win with this trainwreck of a roster. This offseason, the Titans are scheduled to have $80+ million in cap space, a Top 10 draft pick, and a young QB who has shown potential. But they think now is a good time to move off their proven head coach?
Mike Vrabel has been far from perfect these past two seasons, but firing him now is a premature move by the organization. Vrabel deserved another year with an improved roster and Will Levis in his sophomore campaign, but the Titans apparently don't think so. The players in the locker room adored Vrabel and gave glowing endorsements about their then-head coach on locker room cleanout day...
Statements from Titans players a day before Vrabel was fired:
CB Roger McCreary: "I would love if coach were to stay; he's been hard on me, and that's what I love about him. He's a great coach." (Video)
DT Jeffery Simmons: "I believe in Coach Vrabel's message. Hopefully, he's our coach." (Video)
QB Will Levis: "Hopefully, it all stays together (The Titans’ coaching staff)." (Video)
OLB Harold Landry: "I can't really imagine him (Vrabel) not being here. Guys play hard for him." (Video)
RB Derrick Henry when the news came out: "Wow. Wow. I'm shocked. Coach Vrabel is a leader of men. He is a great coach and teacher. I know he will get another opportunity right away. I look forward to it." (Tweet)
Firing Vrabel will haunt the Titans in the future and will be viewed as one of the worst moves in franchise history in just a couple of years. Ms.Amy better have a plan, or this franchise is DOOMED!
IMAGES FROM TITANS.COM AND GETTY
STATS FROM PFFR