Mike Vrabel was a big name among NFL head coaching candidates. But it turns out the former Titans head coach might have been too much big.
An NFL general manager reportedly believed Vrabel’s physical build might have deterred front offices, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on “The Athletic Football Show.” The Commanders’ hiring of Dan Quinn filled the last vacancy and closed the door on Vrabel for the 2024 cycle.
Russini described what the general manager told him, saying, “He’s a very big human being. And he can be very intimidating to people in an organization who are going to be a part of these decisions. And that’s a factor.”
While Russini initially “laughed” at the idea that Vrabel’s size influenced the hiring process, the general manager reiterated his belief.
“I said, ‘Stop, that’s not a real thing. Who cares what someone looks like physically?'” Russini said. “And he said, ‘I’m just telling you, I’ve been in rooms and someone’s physical presence can make a difference.'”
The Titans surprised many observers with their decision to release Vrabel, who frequently elicited big performances from his teams. And at the Senior Bowl, many NFL executives believed he would get another job this offseason, if not a head coaching job.
“Everyone thought I was going to show up and get a job and the word didn’t get out,” Russini said. “And I think there are some teams that are interested in bringing him in as a defensive coordinator. We’ll see if that still works out. But I think it would be pretty shocking to see him leave where he was.”
Vrabel wasn’t the only high-profile head coaching candidate left stranded when the carousel stopped spinning. Bill Belichickwho has the most Super Bowl rings of any NFL head coach, is also out of a job.
In addition to Vrabel’s “intimidating” size, Russini highlighted his age (48), which places him between rising coaching candidates and seasoned veterans.
“Belichick and Vrabel are very different. I feel like also because of an age factor, Vrabel got caught up in that weird 40- to 50-year-old group, where you’re not really young anymore, you’re not like Mike McDonald, running around,” Russini said. “I was surprised that the commanders didn’t even meet with him for an interview, or even to learn, because I think we can give him credit for being successful in Tennessee. We continue to talk about culture and identity building.”
However, that style may not have been for everyone.
“I don’t think it was right for him,” Russini said. “I don’t think he ever sat in front of any owner who thought his style was going to work for what they were looking for.”
Mike Vrabel height and weight
Vrabel played linebacker for 14 years in the NFL. It makes sense that he’s a bigger guy.
He is 6-4 and 261 pounds, per Professional football reference.
By comparison, Texans coach By Meco Ryans, who is considered a candidate for Coach of the Year, weighs 6-1, 247 pounds. lion trainer Daniel CampbellSN Coach of the Year, 6-5, 265 pounds.
