Will Levis getting a new coach as Titans fire Mike Vrabel
Will Levis will have a new head coach next season, as the Tennessee Titans have fired Mike Vrabel. Vrabel has been the head coach in Nashville for six seasons, leading the Titans to an AFC Championship, two AFC South titles, three playoff appearances, and a 54-45 record. That said, the Titans have struggled as of late, with only a 13-21 record over the last two seasons. They ended the 2023 season with a win over division rival Jacksonville, just their sixth victory of the year.
Rumors about Vrabel’s future in Tennessee have been swirling for weeks, with speculation growing that he may bolt for New England should Bill Belichick retire. Just six weeks ago, Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said wanted to keep Vrabel in Nashville for years to come; however, the disappointing end to the season clearly led to a change in plans in the organization. Almost one year ago, Strunk hired Ran Carthon as the team’s new general manager to replace Jon Robinson. Now, a new coach will follow.
“Last year, we began a shift in our approach to football leadership and made several changes to our personnel to advance that plan,” Strunk said in a press release. “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.”
So, what does this mean for Will Levis, whom the Titans traded up to take at the start of the second round of the NFL Draft in April? Levis took over as the Titans’ starting quarterback midseason following an injury to Ryan Tannehill. After a thrilling four-touchdown debut, the job was his, although he suffered minor injuries throughout the rest of the season thanks to a porous offensive line. With Derrick Henry’s contract coming to an end and now Vrabel out, it sounds like the Titans plan to build around Will, whom Strunk mentioned in her statement.
“While this season was disappointing, I see early signs of progress taking shape,” Strunk wrote. “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.”
Dianna Russini is reporting that the Titans didn’t entertain trading Vrabel because they thought it was too complicated and would take too long. Just yesterday, Levis told reporters that he believed Vrabel wanted to stay in Nashville and that he wanted the entire coaching staff to stay the same.
“I love everyone in this building,” Levis said. “I hope it stays the same and I hope that we’re all able to grow and we’re all able to stick together. Obviously, I don’t have a say in any of those types of things, but hopefully, it stays together and we’re able to keep this thing rolling.”
Please hire someone good, Titans. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson seems to be the early frontrunner among Titans media, for what it’s worth.
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