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Tennessee Titans: Mike Vrabel Hire Is a Big Gamble

By Erik Lambert

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 03: Assistant coach, Mike Vrabel of the Houston Texans during a preseason game on September 3, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 03: Assistant coach, Mike Vrabel of the Houston Texans during a preseason game on September 3, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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In the end Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson got what he wanted. He desired a head coach connected to the Patriots. Mike Vrabel was his man.

Maybe it wasn’t the first choice. Both Matt Patricia and Josh McDaniels could be considered more desirable targets given their standout success. However both were largely locked up by other teams before the Titans chose to fire former coach Mike Mularkey. So Robinson was forced to look elsewhere. Most of the recommendations directed him across the division to Houston at Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel.

Up until recently Vrabel was known best as a former Pro Bowl linebacker who had a long, productive career with the Patriots under Bill Belichick. Since then though he’s steadily worked his way up the coaching ranks, garnering a reputation for being disciplined and a motivator. A “leader of men” is often the popular term for this. Robinson knows him well and that familiarity should lead to a strong bond as they try to get Tennessee to the next level.

Vrabel hire does come with some risks though

That being said there are definitely some reservations worth having. Vrabel has only been coaching in the NFL since 2014. On top of that he only became a defensive coordinator in 2017. Suffice to say he didn’t make the greatest first impressive. After the unit finished tops in the league the year before, it sank to giving up the most points under him. Granted injuries played a part but still such a letdown must direct some of the blame his way.

Given Robinson is seeking the Belichick touch with Vrabel, it’s not a welcome sign that the coach wasn’t able to adapt to the problem. To be fair the transition for him has been rapid but still, he wanted this opportunity to be a head coach. Nobody can fault him for taking it. The fault may end up with the Titans for perhaps calling his number a little too soon. Vrabel has a ton of proving to do. He must build a good staff and above all find a way to get Marcus Mariota pointed in the right direction.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Rain Across Top 10

Is he ready? His interview reportedly went well but there’s a difference between selling someone on a plan and actually executing it.

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