The Tennessee Titans are in search of a new coach, after firing Mike Vrabel, who has been the head coach of the Titans for six seasons. The news was announced on Tuesday, January 9, after Vrabel finished the season with a 6-11 record.
“Earlier today, I spoke with Mike Vrabel and told him about my decision to make a change at head coach,” Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said (via ESPN). “As I told Coach Vrabel, this decision was as difficult as any I’ve made as Controlling Owner.”
Vrabel’s termination comes one year after Ran Carthon was named the new General Manager, replacing Jon Robinson.
“As the NFL continues to innovate and evolve, I believe the teams best positioned for sustained success will be those who empower an aligned and collaborative team across all football functions,” Strunk said. “Last year, we began a shift in our approach to football leadership and made several changes to our personnel to advance that plan.
“As I continued to assess the state of our team, I arrived at the conclusion that the team would also benefit from the fresh approach and perspective of a new coaching staff,” she added.
Strunk ended by saying that she has “unapologetically high expectations for the football team and every aspect of the Titans organization,” she said. “Our vision is not simply to produce more wins than losses, it is to regularly compete for championships. While this season was disappointing, I see early signs of progress taking shape. Last year we added a promising young quarterback and several other talented players to our roster.
“With a coaching search, enviable cap space, and top-10 draft position, this offseason is as important as any in our history,” she concluded. “I’m excited for the weeks and months ahead. We will meet the moment.”
Vrabel has yet to publicly comment on the split. The news comes as the Titans prepare to move into a new, domed stadium, with a projected opening in time for the 2027 season.
“For more than 25 years, Nashville, Tennessee, has been the Titans’ home, and with the approval of the new stadium agreement, we are grateful to know the Titans will be a part of this great city and state for decades to come,” Strunk said when the news was announced (via The Sports Credential). “I remember the early days of our time here feeling all the promise and opportunity ahead, and I feel that same enthusiasm and excitement again today.
“We are thankful for the support of Mayor Cooper, Metro Council, the Sports Authority, the State of Tennessee, and most importantly, the people of Nashville and Tennessee as we all embark on this new chapter together,” she added.
Vrabel was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2021.