(Photo from titansonline.com)
Mike Vrabel was introduced Monday as the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans. He takes over a team that has put together a winning record the past two seasons and advanced to the second round of the NFL playoffs this season. Mike Mularkey wasn’t retained after the season.
Vrabel has been an assistant coach in the NFL for four seasons and was the defensive coordinator of the Houston Texans this year. He was a player and assistant coach at Ohio State and played in the NFL for the Steelers, Patriots, and Chiefs. It was his time in New England where he met Titans General Manager Jon Robinson, who formerly worked in the Patriots’ front office.
Robinson said he wanted the next coach of the Titans to be a “leader of men” and feels like Vrabel fits that mold.
Monday, Vrabel said the goal of the Titans isn’t to “just make the playoffs” each year. One of his main priorities will be to rework a Titans offense to greater maximize the skills of quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Titans’ play-calling was criticized by players and fans alike throughout the season. Tennessee’s offense was better the more Mariota moved in the pocket and ran.
Vrabel must also put together a new coaching staff that will likely not include defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau, according to reports.
Hear the press conference by clicking below.
