The Tennessee Titans are hoping to end a bad season on a high note in Week 18, and head coach Mike Vrabel clearly does not want to hear any talk about tanking.
To some Titans fans, a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday would represent nothing more than a worse draft position. Vrabel is not thinking about that. He told reporters on Tuesday that the Titans need to close out their season with a win “for a lot of reasons.” When Gentry Estes of The Tennesseean asked Vrabel expand on that, the coach had a vulgar response.
“Because it sucks to lose, Gentry,” Vrabel said. “Did you have another thought? I’m just curious. It f—ing sucks, losing. Awful. That’s why I want to win. Because you don’t sleep, you want to win for players who bust their tail.”
Vrabel, who is rarely ever animated at the podium, then went into detail about what it means to be in a competitive situation, regardless of the team’s record. He also apologized for his language. You can see the full response below:
Heading into the finale of a tough season, Mike Vrabel said today the Titans need to win Sunday for a lot of reasons.
When asked by @Gentry_Estes to expand on what the reasons were, here was Vrabel's response: pic.twitter.com/foNKv1gUCj— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisWSMV) January 2, 2024
One of the most accurate things that is said about NFL teams is that tanking is for front offices, not coaches and players. Coaches and players are paid to win games. When they don’t do that, some of them lose their jobs.
The Titans are 5-11 and have been eliminated from postseason contention for the second consecutive season. It goes without saying that Vrabel is frustrated. There was also another report that surfaced this week casting doubt on the 48-year-old’s future in Tennessee. Vrabel is probably excited for the season to end, but he would rather it end with a win.
