Mike Vrabel Denies Rumors of Discord Within Titans' Organization
NASHVILLE — Mike Vrabel has a simple message. The Tennessee Titans coach said Wednesday that you can't believe everything you read on the internet.
And when it comes to his status inside the Titans' chain of command, Vrabel said there is nothing to stories circulating that there's a rift in the team's front office, especially between him and first-year general manager Ran Carthon.
Vrabel affirmed his commitment to staying on as the Titans' coach. And the rumors of him leaving Nashville are just that — rumors.
“Of course I want to be here. Be here as long as we can win. As long as we can do this thing, and it's been great," Vrabel said. "But it also has been just frustrating this year. And nobody wants to be where we're at. You feel for the players. Having been in that situation, those guys are out there selling out, and you feel for them when you look out there on the field, and we're not winning, or it's pretty obvious."
A reporter asked Vrabel how he addresses rumors on social media about him exploring coaching opportunities with other teams, and Vrabel's witty reply might disappoint those living in the North Pole.
"Yeah, No, I don't. I don't (address them), because again, if we believed everything that was on social media, you know, it'd be Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, and there's no tooth fairy, you know that," Vrabel said. "So I really have never responded to any of those. And we're not going to start now. I know where we're at as an organization."
Vrabel was hired by the Titans in 2018, and he was one of seven coaches hired that year. He's the only one still coaching the same team. Jon Gruden (Las Vegas Raiders), Frank Reich (Indianapolis Colts), Matt Patricia (Detroit Lions), Steve Wilks (Arizona Cardinals), Matt Nagy (Chicago Bears), Pat Shurmur (New York Giants) are long gone.
The Titans have three playoff appearances under Vrabel, who entered the 2022 season with a 50-37 record. Despite consecutive losing seasons, Vrabel has a 55-48 record as the head coach.
Vrabel said his relationship with first-year general manager Ran Carthon is solid, despite reports about potential discord.
"I'm excited to build this thing and to fix this thing and get it to where we want it to be to win championships with Ran and (assistant general manager Chad (Brinker) and A-Rob (assistant general manager Anthony Robinson) and a coaching staff and everybody," Vrabel said. "I mean that's what our goal is. So, ... but no, the social media and where that is ... I can't focus on that."
Related Titans stories
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- LACK OF INTERCEPTIONS: Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel said he's been concerned with the team being last in the NFL in interceptions. The Titans have picked off a league-worst four passes entering the season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars. CLICK HERE
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