Report: Mike Vrabel's Patriots Hall of Fame induction contributed to Tennessee Titans firing him

The Tennessee Titans decided to move on from head coach Mike Vrabel after six seasons, the last two of which were losing seasons. However, reports now indicate that there was more than that losing record that led to the dismissal of a well-respected head coach.

According to The Athletic, there were several factors that led to tension between Vrabel and the Titans. That, notably, included Vrabel’s criticism of new GM Ran Carthon and his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

“[Amy Adams] Strunk eventually came to believe her faith in Vrabel was not being reciprocated, and was also unhappy about Vrabel’s visit to New England in October to be enshrined in the Patriots’ Hall of Fame, nearly a dozen prominent people inside and outside the organization told The Athletic on the condition of anonymity,” Dianna Russini and Joe Rexrode reported.

Mike Vrabel has become one of the best respected head coaches in the NFL, winning the Coach of the Year Award in 2021. Still, Tennessee wanted a fresh start.

The contention between Vrabel and ownership regarding the GM hire and the direction of personnel moves seems to be a major factor in the change. In particular, Vrabel either felt he deserved control over personnel or wanted it to be Ryan Cowden. Instead, the Titans hired Ran Carthon.

On top of that, when Vrabel used the bye week to travel to New England and be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, he raised some eyebrows back in Tennessee. In particular, with his speech.

“I don’t want you to take this organization for granted,” he said. “I’ve been a lot of places, this is a special place with great leadership, great fans, great direction, and great coaching. Enjoy it. It’s not like this everywhere.”

While Vrabel later explained that he was praising the Patriots instead of putting down any other team, it still stuck with many in the organization, especially when combined with tension over the front office. Amid those frustrations and late season struggles, ownership made the decision to move on.

Mike Vrabel is now seen as a candidate to replace Bill Belichick in New England.

Derrick Henry reacts to Mike Vrabel’s firing

Shortly after news broke that the Tennessee Titans were firing Mike Vrabel, star running back Derrick Henry reacted to the decision.

“Wow. Wow. I’m shocked,” Henry said. “Coach Vrabel is a leader of men. He is a great coach and teacher. I know he will get another opportunity right away. I look forward to it.”