Debunking the Recent Mike Vrabel and Ran Carthon Rumors…
The rumors around Titans HC Mike Vrabel continue to churn, even after a recent report suggesting that Tennessee has no plans to move off their longtime leader. Additionally, rumors about Titans GM Ran Carthon have also started to surface, and this really ticks me off. Let’s take a deep dive into this report by a Patriots reporter and pick it apart one by one…
Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal reported early Sunday that Mike Vrabel is trying to force his way out of Tennessee and that New England is his preferred destination. Bedard also stated that Vrabel and Titans GM Ran Carthon don't have much of a relationship, and that the former All-Pro linebacker didn't approve of the Carthon hire. Lastly, Bedard stated that the NFL pushed Titans Owner Amy Adams Strunk to hire Carthon in January to increase diversity in prominent front-office positions. Though many Titans fans accept the legitimacy of this report, here's why this is a bunch of baloney...
Let's start with the stuff that is true in this report by Bedard. It would make sense for the Patriots to view Mike Vrabel as their home-run candidate to take over for Bill Belichick. Vrabel has had success as a head coach in this league, and Mike has a rich history in Foxborough. Vrabel's relationship with Patriots Owner Robert Kraft is also incredibly strong. But here's my question: Why would Vrabel force his way out of Tennessee to go to an even worse situation? The Titans are heavily flawed, but they've found their QB future, will have $100 million in cap space, and will have a Top 10 pick in the draft. On the other hand, the Patriots are in an even worse position than Tennessee currently. Mac Jones is broken, the roster is dreadful, and Vrabel would probably have to endure some losing seasons to start his tenure, even if they draft a QB in the first round this April. Vrabel has built a winning culture in Nashville, and I sincerely doubt he would flee that just because of a turbulent stretch...
The Ran Carthon rumor is flat-out disrespectful and untrue. Carthon was easily the best GM candidate a team could hire this past offseason, and Tennessee didn't hire him just because of racial reasons. He orchestrated the 49ers Super Team alongside John Lynch for years and received glowing reviews from numerous 49ers players. All-Pro Left Tackle Trent Williams stated the following about Carthon to Titans Reporter Jim Wyatt: "Obviously you are getting a brilliant football mind. He's a huge part of the 49ers, where we're at now. But as a person, you are getting a pioneer, a guy who can come in and lead, a guy whose heart is in the right place, and a guy who can relate to the players, the people in the front office. He can groom guys to be people like himself. He is the total package." If that doesn't scream great guy and competent GM, I don't know what does!
Long story short, Mike Vrabel will be the Titans HC long term, and Ran Carthon was hired because he is one of the best football minds. Their relationship may not be the strongest now, but another offseason of working together should change that. Don’t believe everything you read online!!
IMAGES FROM TENNESSEE TITANS