Vic Fangio in his own words “didn’t have much of a relationship” with Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel prior to the latter making the former his defensive coordinator this time last year.
We have no clue if McDaniel has any more of a relationship with Mike Vrabel than he did with Fangio at the time. But who cares?
McDaniel has proven he will go outside the QB Collective gang to get the best candidate for the job. And Vrabel has proven that he’s a good, smart, tough football coach. His undermanned Tennessee Titans team’s fourth-quarter comeback against McDaniel basically wrecked the Dolphins’ entire season.
So let’s put any bruised egos or insecurities aside, and find a job for Vrabel on McDaniel’s 2024 coaching staff.
Will Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel Pursue Mike Vrabel?
McDaniel is in the process of interviewing for a very important opening — defensive coordinator.
While Vrabel — who was passed over for the seven other head coach openings this cycle after being fired by the Titans — would likely do well in that role, he might not want it.
If the Dolphins’ defense struggles, his 2025 prospects could suffer.
So here’s what we’d suggest:
Assuming they can mesh personally, McDaniel should make Vrabel his associate head coach, with a focus on defense.
Vrabel in that situation would help guide whomever McDaniel hires as defensive coordinator, which would be particularly helpful if he goes with an inexperienced candidate.
Options include Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile, Houston Texans linebackers coach Chris Kiffin, Rams linebackers coach Chris Shula, and Dolphins outside linebackers coach Ryan Slowik.
Prior to taking over as the Titans’ head coach in 2018, Vrabel was the Houston Texans’ defensive coordinator for one season. Before that, he was a position coach with the Texans and Ohio State.
But Vrabel’s value to McDaniel would go far beyond defensive X’s and O’s. He would be the game-day voice McDaniel needs, particularly since McDaniel’s focus is largely on running the Dolphins’ offense (assuming he doesn’t surrender play-calling).
Vrabel’s teams consistently overachieved — and always played with physicality — and he’d bring a cultural jolt that the organization seems to need.
For Vrabel, the job would be a soft landing after his surprising termination.
One potential complication? Vrabel might be seen by some in the organization as a possible McDaniel successor if things go sideways.
Again, who cares? McDaniel is going to sink or swim on his own merit. Having Vrabel in the building should make it less, not more, that he’ll get fired.
MORE: The Potential Butterfly Effect of the Johnny Manziel Debacle on 2024 Miami Dolphins
Because the team will be better — which should be the No. 1 priority.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!