Following Mike Vrabel’s startling firing just over 48 hours ago, which has resulted in the departure of not one but THREE famous coaches, many were stunned by the move, which Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk explained by saying:
“I was just not willing to go to the back of the line and missing out on somebody we really wanted.”
Nonetheless, given the amount the New Orleans Saints received last year for the services of Super Bowl winning head coach Sean Payton, it is logical to assume that the Titans gave up a first-round selection in this year’s draft in order to act quickly. Especially when it has been proven that, despite speculations about Mike Vrabel’s departure in the summer, he never put in a genuine trade request with the team.
After a thorough investigation by The Athletic, it appears that more light has been shone on this sudden departure from a man who many (including myself) still regard as a legitimate top ten coach in the National Football League.
Why did the Tennessee Titans fire Mike Vrabel?
Mike Vrabel’s contract appears to have been terminated due to his difficult connection with Amy Adams Strunk, rather than his on-field performance, which, to be honest, has been subpar during the last two years.
While it appears that the Tennessee Titans’ overtime loss to the Houston Texans, without CJ Stroud, was the final straw, the underlying reasons for Vrabel’s firing are much deeper.
The Tennessee Titans’ controlling owner appeared to be dissatisfied with Mike Vrabel’s actions over the last year, beginning with Vrabel’s lack of faith in new general manager, Ran Carthon’s readiness to be an NFL GM, and a desire to have more control over personnel decisions.
During the hiring process to replace GM Jon Robinson, who was fired by Strunk late last season, Vrabel made two statements to Strunk that strained relations, according to three team or league sources. Vrabel demanded complete control of the roster, claiming that he had earned it, and Strunk sharply disagreed. Strunk has long held the belief that head coaches should not have complete control, citing the Titans’ struggles in the latter years of Jeff Fisher’s tenure and watching from afar the issues that arose for the Patriots under Bill Belichick and Bill O’Brien with the Texans.
When Carthon was on the verge of earning the job, Vrabel told Strunk that while he loved Carthon, he did not believe he was prepared to be an NFL general manager. Vrabel’s suggestion: The Titans appoint Carthon as deputy general manager, a raise from his previous position as No. 3 in the 49ers’ hierarchy. Strunk was not pleased with this notion, and team sources feel it had a negative impact on her and Vrabel’s relationship.
Strunk also felt slighted by Vrabel’s comments made in October, when he said:
“I don’t want you to take the organization for granted. I’ve traveled to a lot of locations, but this is a unique environment with wonderful leadership, fantastic fans, great direction, and excellent coaching. Enjoy it. It’s not like this everywhere.
The Hollywood actress’ half namesake took these words, which appeared to be a dig at the Titans’ organizational processes, very seriously, and they stayed with her for a long time.
And, despite all of the ongoing tension between ownership and management, Amy Adams Strunk genuinely wanted to keep Vrabel as late as November – but the culmination of all of these other ego-shattering bruises, as well as the former head coach’s battle with Strunk and Carthon over the implementation of a new analytics team, all but confirmed the inevitable.
Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry
The good news is that this appears to benefit everyone. The Titans have a declining roster with big holes at receiver (past a semi-resurgent DeAndre Hopkins), a terrible pass defense, and big questions about their quarterback’s future, as it remains to be seen whether Will Levis can take the next step in his development as a passer and player. So, in some respects, this is the ideal opportunity for Vrabel to make a fresh start, with the remainder of his contract paid up, and select a new team – of which he will undoubtedly have many – that he believes is the best fit for him.
The Titans now have the opportunity to start over with a new coach, a rookie quarterback, and a general manager who can hire his preferred head coach. It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious from this divorce in 5 years, but since Strunk completed her termination meeting with Vrabel in just two minutes, there will be no love lost between the two parties.
