Titans Move On from Mike Vrabel
San Francisco – The Tennessee Titans were consistently in the playoff race under Mike Vrabel, but they wanted to aim higher. Consequently, they decided to part ways with him after the 2023 season.
This choice, however, proved to be quite detrimental. The Titans found themselves out of playoff contention, while Vrabel made it to the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.
It’s almost as if fate brought Vrabel back to the Pats, considering his impressive history as an All-Pro linebacker in New England. For Titans fans, it’s natural to ponder, “What if?”
Former Titans Pro Bowl tight end Delanie Walker certainly feels that way. In a recent chat, he shared, “We’re kicking ourselves. The entire state of Tennessee can’t help but feel it, seeing what Mike has achieved by reaching the Super Bowl. We knew he had talent.”
Walker played his last two NFL seasons alongside Vrabel’s first as a head coach. He noted that Vrabel was unlike any other coach he had during his time in Tennessee.
“This is significant. Many coaches struggle, but it comes down to being upfront with players. Some will say one thing but do another, and it’s frustrating. Mike doesn’t do that. He’s played the game, so he gets it,” Walker said. “Coaches who’ve played tend to be more successful in the NFL. They understand the players’ experiences and how to handle them. Vrabel was honest and straightforward—sometimes tough to hear—but most players appreciate that honesty. We definitely wanted to give our all for someone who had our backs.”
During Super Bowl week, Walker’s former teammate Taylor Lewan expressed similar thoughts on a radio show. “Having been to the Super Bowl himself, the Titans made a mistake letting Mike go. Their record without him compared to when he was around speaks volumes. Many Titans fans wish he had stayed,” Lewan remarked.
Walker joked that Vrabel’s time in Tennessee felt like “the Patriots way of the South,” adding, “That’s literally what it was. We would say that often. The strict structure he brought was necessary for accountability, and it made us more successful.”
Lewan emphasized the culture Vrabel fostered, calling him a “lovable son of a gun.” He described how Vrabel’s influence became clearer as he took on a leadership role. “Preparation is key. Teams that know the game’s little details tend to excel in the NFL. You don’t find that everywhere,” Lewan stated.
Even with Vrabel’s accomplishments in New England, Walker is optimistic about the future of the Titans, especially with new additions like Cam Ward, head coach Robert Saleh, and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. “I truly believe the Titans will rise again. The NFL sees its share of ups and downs. I hope the right people join the team. We have youthful talent coming up, which is exciting,” he said. “I want to channel that energy next year and inspire the rookies.”
“Cam is a beast,” Walker noted. “Some of his plays this season were phenomenal. He still gave it his all even when the team struggled. Unfortunately, Tennessee is a small market, so when losses started piling up, attention shifted away. But he’s talented. I’ve never witnessed a top draft pick get overlooked like Cam just because of the team’s struggles.”
