Commanders Hire Dan Quinn, Leaving Former Titans Coach Mike Vrabel Out of a Job

All eight NFL coaching vacancies have been filled, which means former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel could be on the outside looking in this season.

NASHVILLE — Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel has been shut out in the 2024 NFL hiring cycle. 

Vrabel had at least two interviews, but those teams went in other directions. And on Thursday, the Washington Commanders hired Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their head coach.

When Amy Adams Strunk announced Vrabel's firing on Jan. 9, most observers assumed that despite two consecutive losing seasons, the former NFL Coach of the Year would have no issue finding another coaching job.

On Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald who, at age 36, becomes the NFL's youngest coach. 

The New England Patriots' Jerod Mayo held the distinction of youngest NFL head coach for two weeks. Mayo was hired after the team and Bill Belichick parted ways. 

Some rumors suggested that the Pats might bring back Vrabel, their former Super Bowl-winning linebacker, as coach. But that was never a possibility. Mayo's contract included a succession clause if Belichick left.

The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers interviewed Vrabel, but those teams hired Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Bucs defensive coordinator Dave Canales, respectively. 

Vrabel also interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Vrabel was the next option if the team didn't hire former Michigan coach and NCAA national champion Jim Harbaugh. 

In six seasons, Vrabel's Titans teams made the playoffs three consecutive years, including an AFC Championship Game loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City.

Consecutive losing seasons — including a 6-18 record in his final 24 games — led to Vrabel's exit and the hiring of Brian Callahan.

Vrabel could take the 2024 season off or consider a broadcasting job. If he wants to stay in football, assuming he doesn't take an NFL defensive coordinator opening, he could be an analyst on a college football coaching staff. 

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