There has been speculation throughout the 2023 season that Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel is a candidate to be the next coach on the New England Patriots sidelines next season.
However, a new report dumped cold water on that theory. ESPN’s Turron Davenport wrote that the Titans want to keep Vrabel as their head coach.
This is certainly a bit of disappointing news, given Vrabel’s success in New England as a player. He was with the organization from 2001-2008 and was able to win three Super Bowls in the process.
His NFL success has translated to the head coaching ranks. He has compiled a 52-42 record with the Tennessee Titans, including back-to-back first place finishes in the AFC South in 2020 and 2021. But things have been rough this season with the Titans currently sitting at 4-8 on the season.
The Patriots may need a change of scenery. They currently hold the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft with a 2-10 record.
Davenport elaborated on the Titans’ reluctance to let Vrabel go, amid what they are building:
That has sparked some speculation that Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls while playing in New England from 2001 to 2008, could be a target of Patriots owner Robert Kraft if Belichick doesn’t return in 2024 for a 25th season. Like Belichick, Vrabel is still under contract for the 2024 season.
Still, multiple team sources in Nashville have said the Titans intend to retain Vrabel as their coach, and Carthon and the personnel department have been working with their head coach to find players who fit his system, style of play and culture that he has instilled since arriving in 2018.
This is certainly not the most ideal report, given how Vrabel has built a strong organization in Tennessee. New England is going to need that stability as they navigate through a potentially difficult future.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, it looks like Vrabel won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
