https://player.anyclip.com/anyclip-widget/lre-widget/prod/v1/src/lre.js
The New York Jets will be looking for a new head coach in 2025 after the Robert Saleh regime failed to produce a winning season, let alone a playoff berth in four years.
Jets Wire will be breaking down each candidate that receives an interview detailing the highs and lows of their coaching careers and deciding if that candidate deserves a shot or if the Jets should pass and move on to something better.
For our next trip on the Jets’ coaching carousel, we take a look at a heavy favorite to be a head coach in 2025, Mike Vrabel.
The Titan of Tennessee
USAT
Mike Vrabel was named the head coach of the Tennessee Titans in 2018 after four seasons with the Houston Texans as a linebackers coach, and ultimately, defensive coordinator.
In his first season with the Titans, Vrabel finished 9-7 but missed the playoffs after finishing third in the AFC South. Tennessee finished eighth in the league in total defense and third in points allowed per game with 19, ahead of only Baltimore and Chicago. The 2018 season was also the start of Derrick Henry’s rise to becoming one of the top running backs in the league with his first 1,000 yard season and 12 touchdowns
Vrabel’s best season with the Titans came in 2019. Henry rushed for over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, but Tennessee was still struggling at the quarterback position and Vrabel ultimately benched starter Marcus Mariota during a game against Denver for Ryan Tannehill. He was acquired during the 2019 offseason from the Miami Dolphins after he flamed out under their coach and Jets fan favorite, Adam Gase.
Tannehill thrived under Vrabel and his offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. The former Texas A&M quarterback threw for 22 touchdowns and set franchise records in completion percentage (70.3) and quarterback rating (117.5).
Thanks to Vrabel’s no nonsense style, Henry’s dominant running and a rejuvenated Tannehill, the Titans went on a cinderella run to the AFC championship game where they lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Titans dominated during the 2020 and 2021 seasons behind Tannehill and Henry where they finished in first place in the AFC South with a combined record of 23-10. But, they were unable to get back to the AFC Championship Game in each of those seasons after losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals respectively.
The Titans started their downward spiral during the 2022 season. Vrabel lost Arthur Smith to the Atlanta Falcons and the team traded star receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles for a first round pick. The Titans used the first round pick they received in the AJ Brown trade to select receiver Treylon Burks, but he didn’t come close to matching Brown’s production.
Tannehill suffered multiple injuries that season and was ultimately benched for rookie Malik Willis, who struggled badly. Vrabel’s defense was still strong against the run, but were a league worst against the pass and it all led to a 7-10 finish in 2022. The Titans missed the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.
It only got worse during the 2023 season as the team became over reliant on Henry’s running, struggled at the quarterback position and lacked any weapons outside of their star running back. Tennessee finished 6-11 and in last place. Vrabel was fired after the season and left Tennessee with a coaching record of 54-45, three playoff appearances and one trip to the AFC Championship Game in six seasons.
Should the Jets Consider Him for Head Coach?
USAT
Decision: 100% Yes
Vrabel has an intensity about him that the Jets sorely need to get this team winning again after Robert Saleh’s laid-back approach produced a very soft team. While we often hear about coaches preaching accountability, Vrabel would have no issue whatsoever calling players out for poor play and while they may hate him at that moment, they’ll respect him the next morning.
Unfortunately, it looks like the Jets probably won’t get the chance to hire Vrabel as multiple reports have him linked to the New England Patriots after they fired their head coach, Jerod Mayo, after one season. Should a potential deal with New England fall through, the Jets should definitely make Vrabel a top priority.