The Chargers are looking to hire a new head coach and are considering a former New England Patriots linebacker for the position. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Mike Vrabel is currently in Los Angeles for an interview with the Chargers. This marks Vrabel’s initial known interview since his dismissal from the Tennessee Titans. Other candidates interviewed by the Chargers include Jim Harbaugh and Leslie Frazier, with Dan Quinn scheduled for an interview on Friday, as per Pelissero’s report.
Vrabel, a three-time Super Bowl winner during his playing days with the Patriots, served as the head coach of the Titans for six seasons. His initial three seasons saw notable success with winning records and a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2019. However, the Coach of the Year for 2022 experienced a downturn in the following two years, missing the postseason and enduring back-to-back losing seasons.
Vrabel’s dismissal came as a surprise, particularly when reports suggested that factors beyond the Titans’ recent performance influenced the decision.
“Amy Adams Strunk made the decision based on various factors,” revealed NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “This included incidents during his visit to New England for the Hall of Fame event and not dispelling internal rumors that he might become the Patriots’ coach. There was a lot to consider.”
In October 2022, Vrabel was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame and shared his sentiments with the Gillette Stadium crowd.
“I want to emphasize not taking this organization for granted,” Vrabel expressed. “I’ve been to many places, and this is a special organization with exceptional leadership, devoted fans, a clear direction, and excellent coaching. Appreciate it; it’s not like this everywhere.”
Whether Vrabel’s remarks were a direct dig at the Titans remains uncertain, but it’s evident that they were not well-received by the team’s leadership.
The 48-year-old Vrabel had some loose ties to the Patriots before New England and Bill Belichick mutually decided to part ways after 24 seasons. Reports were suggesting that Vrabel might be interested in coaching his former team. However, Jerod Mayo was ultimately promoted to head coach and formally introduced in that role on Wednesday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.
