An NFL GM Believes Mike Vrabel’s Physical Size a Factor in Not Getting Hired As HC, per Report

Mike Vrabel won’t be a head coach in the NFL at the start of the 2024 season, having failed to lock down a new gig after parting ways with the Tennessee Titans in January.

Despite eight head coaching jobs becoming available during this year’s cycle, the former Titans coach did not land with a new team after a solid six-year run in Tennessee.

Speaking on The Athletic Football Show on Monday, NFL insider Dianna Russini said she was told at the Senior Bowl that Vrabel’s large physical build played a factor in him not finding a new head coaching position.

“I don’t think there was a fit for him. I don’t think he sat in front of any owner who thought that his style was going to work for what they were looking for,” said Russini.

“I had a GM at the Senior Bowl who mentioned to me Vrabel’s physical build, that he’s a very large human being and can be very intimidating to people in an organization that are going to be part of these decisions. And that is a factor.”

Vrabel stands in at 6’4” and weighs 261 pounds, according to Pro Football Reference. 

Russini added that she felt Vrabel’s age, 48, could’ve played a role in him not attracting more interest from teams, with organizations shifting towards hiring younger head coaches in recent years. 

“I feel like also from an age factor, Vrabel got stuck in that weird late 40’s-early 50’s bracket, where you’re not really young anymore, you’re not [Seattle Seahawks coach] Mike Macdonald running around,” she said. 

Vrabel’s Titans made the playoffs in three of his six seasons as the organization’s coach, but were 13-21 over the last two years.

Following Vrabel’s departure, Tennessee hired former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as the new coach of the Titans.