NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In just less than one week after parting ways with Mike Mularkey, the Tennessee Titans have found their new leader.
On Saturday, the Titans and Mike Vrabel agreed to terms on a contract introducing him as the next head coach of the Titans.
Vrabel, 42, served as the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans last season after serving as linebackers coach from 2014-2016.
Titans Controlling Owner Amy Adams Strunk is excited about this hire releasing a statement saying:
“I am excited to have Mike Vrabel joining our organization as our new head coach. In the interaction between Mike and Jon (Robinson) during the interview, you could see their connection right away from the history they have with one another – seeing the game in a similar way and talking the same language. Mike has a commanding presence and a deep knowledge for how he will attack this head coaching opportunity. Throughout his football career, he has played for, been mentored by and coached with successful teams and organizations. He knows what it takes to reach that level of sustained success – he has seen it first-hand. We have a chance to build on the solid foundation that we established over the past couple of years and I believe Mike is the right person to continue that progress.”
Vrabel has made a strong name for himself defensively as both a player and coach.
He played 14 seasons in the National Football League.
Vrabel began his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers under coach Bill Cowher. He then played eight seasons for Coach Bill Belichick in New England. He joined the Patriots for the franchise’s first Super Bowl-winning season in 2001 and went on to win two more with the Patriots.
After he retired from the NFL after a two-year stint in Kansas City, he began his coaching career under Urban Meyer at the Ohio State. He served as defensive line coach and linebackers coach.
From 2014-16, the Texans defense ranked third in the NFL in net yards allowed per game while Vrabel served as linebackers coach.
“This is an incredible opportunity and one I have been preparing for my entire football life,” said Vrabel. “I want to thank Amy, Jon and the entire Titans organization for putting their faith in me. I am excited to get to work and that work starts now. We want to build a culture around winning, competitiveness and toughness. Everything we do is going to be geared towards winning and being physical. We want to prepare our players so they know what to do, which will allow them to play fast and aggressive.”
At the start of this coaching search, General Manager Jon Robinson was clear when asked what he was looking for in the team’s next head coach.
“Leader of men.” Robinson said.
The Titans organization believes they found their leader in Vrabel.
“I have always had a great deal of respect for Mike as a player and as a coach,” Robinson said. “I saw him up close as a player for the Patriots and saw how he prepared himself to be successful on a daily basis. He was the ultimate team-first player and he embodies that same mindset as a coach. He is intelligent, energetic, detailed and a leader whose deep passion for this game will resonate with our players. As a coach, I have seen him develop talent at both the college and NFL level, and put players in position for them to be successful. I am excited to get him in front of our team and watch us grow together as a team.”
You can hear more from Robinson today, as the Titans will hold a press conference officially introducing Mike Vrabel as their head coach at 12pm CST.
We will carry the press conference LIVE on 104-5 The Zone.
Listen Live:
http://player.listenlive.co/25021
