There was a time, two short years ago, when the Tennessee Titans bringing in Mike Vrabel looked like one of the more inspired NFL hires in recent memory.
Playing opportunistic, run-heavy football, Vrabel tallied 54 wins across six seasons, including 32 over a three-year span (2019-21) while Ryan Tannehill served as the full-time starting quarterback. In 2019, the Titans ended quarterback Tom Brady's New England Patriots career and advanced to the AFC Championship Game. Professional football was in the best state it’s been in the Volunteer State in 20 years.
However, things went south in 2022 and 2023, and Tennessee surprised the football world by firing Vrabel Tuesday morning. The Ohio State product immediately became the subject of speculation around other jobs, including the franchise with which he won three Super Bowls: the Patriots.
There's your curveball. Stunning move, and Vrabel immediately becomes one of the hottest name on the market. And the Patriots might have an opening soon ... https://t.co/ssRIjrr6Pn
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 9, 2024
New England is still officially coached by the legendary Bill Belichick, but that didn't stop the wheels of speculation from turning after the Patriots went an unsightly 4–13 this season.
Surprised Tennessee didn’t hold out to trade Vrabel to the Patriots for a draft pick. He’s not a lock, but hard to imagine anyone better taking that Patriots job https://t.co/9mbDdRPDwB
— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) January 9, 2024
Vrabel's comments on New England in October were re-heated.
Mike Vrabel to Patriots fans in October: “I want you not to take this organization for granted. I’ve been a lot of places. This is a special place with great leadership, great fans, great direction, great coaching.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) January 9, 2024
"Enjoy it. It’s not like this everywhere.”
Former players such as ex-quarterback and NFL Network analyst Chase Daniel endorsed a potential move.
And Vrabel to the Patriots makes all the sense in the world. CC: @wingoz https://t.co/Y7BTh8pRvA
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) January 9, 2024
Many scolded the Titans for their apparent failure to seek compensation.
If Mike Vrabel goes to the Patriots for nothing, it’s a failure by the #Titans organization https://t.co/j8DZ2HWK2O
— Austin Stanley (@AustinStanley81) January 9, 2024
Patriots fans savored the opportunity to reminisce over the team's glory days.
Mike Vrabel catching a Super Bowl TD with the Patriots just for fun :) pic.twitter.com/C0jvI1PYiK
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) January 9, 2024
