The Jets are one of three teams with a head coaching vacancy at this point, and other openings will no doubt be in place once the regular season ends. When the hiring season opens, Mike Vrabel will be among the top names to watch.
The former Titans head coach is currently finishing out the 2024 season in his Browns post, but he could very well be on the move soon. Vrabel will “probably” be the most sought-after coach during the offseason, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes. Breer adds each of the three teams currently known to be in need of a new coach (Jets, Saints and Bears) have Vrabel on their radar, which comes as no surprise. New York in particular could emerge as a strong suitor.
Vrabel’s name has come up more often than that of any other HC candidate with respect to the Jets’ opening, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post reports. New York will have competition for the 49-year-old if his market proves to be as strong as it is expected to be. As La Canfora notes, however, the fact that the Jets have a general manager interview lined up with Jon Robinson is an indication Vrabel is high on the team’s list of preferred candidates. Vrabel and Robinson worked together in Tennessee, and reuniting that pairing would represent a feasible move on New York’s part.
The Jets are using The 33rd Team as part of the ongoing general manager and head coaching searches, a process which has seen Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman take point. Their input will be key in informing the organization’s ultimate decision on both fronts, so connections to the candidates for each post are important to monitor. In that regard, Vrabel is a candidate to watch closely.
“Rick Spielman loves Mike Vrabel,” an anonymous executive told La Canfora. “He’s always loved Vrabel. That’s the guy they want.” A GM concurred that Vrabel (meeting the criteria of an experienced NFL head coach) is the Jets’ preferred option.
The Titans made the postseason during three of Vrabel’s first four seasons at the helm, including a trip to the AFC title game in 2019. Over his final two years, though, the team went 13-21 and Tennessee cleaned house by resetting on the sidelines and in the front office. Vrabel’s stock has not taken a hit, given the fact he has been floated as a candidate for the Bears and – should they make a change this winter – the Patriots.
The Browns made a new commitment to Kevin Stefanski with an offseason extension, and owner Jimmy Haslam recently confirmed an organizational reset is not being considered. If Vrabel is to land another head coaching opportunity this offseason, it will therefore come with an outside organization. The Jets will no doubt continue to be linked to him over the coming weeks.
