With the NFL regular season on the horizon and teams working hard to be ready and build a championship-caliber roster, it all starts with the head guy at the top. The NFL has 32 teams, and with that comes the exclusive fraternity of being one of the 32 vitally important NFL head coaches.
While each of the 32 head coaches has a unique story, let’s look at the Tennessee Titans’ top man.
Update 01/09/2024: Mike Vrabel has been fired by the Tennessee Titans.
How Long Has Mike Vrabel Been With the Titans?
Mike Vrabel is the Titans head coach. He played 14 seasons as a linebacker in the NFL. Vrabel was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 1997 draft. He played eight of his 14 seasons in New England. He made his only Pro Bowl in 2007 when the Patriots finished the regular season undefeated. Including the postseason, Vrabel had 12 career receptions, and all 12 were touchdowns.
Vrabel is in his sixth season as the Titans head coach. He is the franchise’s fourth head coach to reach at least five seasons. He is the ninth longest-tenured active NFL head coach.
After finishing his playing career, Vrabel started his coaching career at Ohio State, where he was an All-American defensive lineman. He moved on to the Texans after three years in college. Vrabel was Houston’s defensive coordinator in 2017, his fourth and final season with the franchise.
Who Was the Head Coach Before Vrabel?
Mike Mularkey was the Titans’ head coach before Vrabel. Mularkey took over the job in 2015 after the team fired Ken Whisenhunt midseason. Mularkey went 20-21 with one playoff appearance in his second and a half seasons in Tennessee.
What Is Vrabel’s Record With the Titans?
Vrabel is 50-37 in five seasons with Tennessee. He led the team to the postseason three times. Tennessee has won two AFC South titles under him.
Vrabel is the third-winningest coach in franchise history behind Jeff Fisher and Bum Phillips. He is nine wins behind Phillips for second place.
The Titans went 7-10 last season, their only losing season under Vrabel. He is ranked 16th in Pro Football Network’s NFL Head Coach Power Rankings 2023.
Has Vrabel Ever Won the Super Bowl?
Yes. Vrabel won three Super Bowls as a player for the Patriots. He caught a touchdown pass from Tom Brady against the Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
MORE: 2023 Head Coach Power Rankings
In 2019, Vrabel’s Titans lost to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, the closest he’s come as a head coach.