Titans Fire Coach Mike Vrabel After 6 Seasons, Seek Different Leadership Structure

The Tennessee Titans fired coach Mike Vrabel on Tuesday morning after six seasons at the helm of the Nashville franchise. Owner Amy Adams Strunk made the call, and will start an immediate search for Vrabel's replacement. She said the "decision was as difficult as any I’ve made as controlling owner.''

The Tennessee Titans fired coach Mike Vrabel less than 48 hours after the team finished the season with a 6-11 record. The Titans confirmed the reported firing via an emailed statement from team owner Amy Adams Strunk. 

"Earlier today, I spoke with Mike Vrabel and told him about my decision to make a change at head coach," Strunk said via email. "As I told Coach Vrabel, this decision was as difficult as any I’ve made as controlling owner. I appreciate Mike's contributions to the Tennessee Titans both on and off the field. Anyone who has ever met him knows how passionate and genuine he is, and he’s been a strong supporter of the Nashville community. We wish Mike, Jen, and the Vrabel family nothing but the best in the future."

Vrabel, who was hired in 2018, leaves the Titans with a 54-45 record, three playoff appearances, including an AFC title game, and a Coach of the Year award on his resumé. 

Rumors have persisted of possible discord between Vrabel and the organization. Several players, including quarterback of the future Will Levis, said they wanted Vrabel back as their coach and were hopeful that he'd stay. A day later, the team moved on from Vrabel after consecutive losing seasons. 

"As the NFL continues to innovate and evolve, I believe the teams best positioned for sustained success will be those who empower an aligned and collaborative team across all football functions," Strunk said. "Last year, we began a shift in our approach to football leadership and made several changes to our personnel to advance that plan. As I continued to assess the state of our team, I arrived at the conclusion that the team would also benefit from the fresh approach and perspective of a new coaching staff.

 "I believe the Tennessee Titans can and will be a premier National Football League franchise. It’s what our fans deserve, and there will be hard decisions along the way. My decision today is not only a reflection of my disappointment in our past two seasons but also my recognition that further changes are necessary to fully achieve our vision."

The Titans have the No. 7 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and Strunk's email expressed a belief that the team can get back to winning with the right head coach. 

"I will never shy away from acknowledging that I have unapologetically high expectations for the football team and every aspect of the Titans organization," Strunk said. "Our vision is not simply to produce more wins than losses, it is to regularly compete for championships. While this season was disappointing, I see early signs of progress taking shape. Last year we added a promising young quarterback and several other talented players to our roster. With a coaching search, enviable cap space, and top-10 draft position, this offseason is as important as any in our history. I’m excited for the weeks and months ahead. We will meet the moment."

Related stories on Mike Vrabel

• LEVIS WANTED VRABEL RETURN: Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis believes that Mike Vrabel wants to return as coach. Vrabel is under contract, but rumors persist that his job status is uncertain. CLICK HERE
• TITANS DRAFT DAILY: With the No. 7 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Tennessee can address their offensive line weaknesses. CLICK HERE
• HENRY'S PROUD FAREWELL: The Tennessee Titans' inspired performance in a season-ending win featured Derrick Henry's 153 rushing yards and then his postgame thank-you to the Nissan Stadium fans. CLICK HERE