Mike Vrabel’s stint as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns in 2024 might have been brief, but it’s opened doors for his return to head coaching.
The former Tennessee Titans coach, who’s only 49, is poised to enter this year’s coaching carousel early, with interviews expected to begin shortly.
After surprisingly missing out last year, Vrabel’s chances look much brighter this time around, especially given the relatively thin field of candidates.
NFL Insider Connor Hughes has identified three teams to keep an eye on: the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Mike Vrabel is permitted to interview with teams for their head coaching vacancies now.
Jets, Bears, Raiders among the three NFL to watch. https://t.co/P8o8rAYolZ
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) December 30, 2024
Each presents an intriguing opportunity for Vrabel, who brings an impressive track record from his time in Tennessee.
During his six-year tenure with the Titans, he compiled a solid 54-45 record and earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2021.
His ability to guide the team to an AFC Championship Game appearance and establish a culture of quick turnarounds makes him an attractive candidate for teams seeking transformation.
The Raiders situation is particularly interesting. If the team moves on from Coach Pierce, many NFL insiders believe Vrabel could be their primary target.
His connection with Tom Brady (they were teammates for eight years in New England) adds another layer of intrigue to this possibility.
In Chicago, the Bears showed flashes of defensive brilliance in late 2023, particularly after acquiring Montez Sweat.
However, that momentum didn’t carry forward under Matt Eberflus in 2024, despite the wealth of young talent.
Vrabel’s defensive expertise could be exactly what the Bears need to maximize their potential and develop into an elite defensive unit.
The Jets present another compelling option, though they face a similar dilemma to the Bears. After parting ways with their head coach midseason, they might lean toward an offensive-minded leader following Robert Saleh’s tenure.
However, Vrabel’s proven ability to maintain defensive excellence while managing the entire team could make him an appealing choice, especially given the glimpses of defensive prowess the Jets displayed under Saleh.
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