NFL insider shares why Mike Vrabel might leave Titans

Jan 11, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter in a AFC Divisional Round playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK

The Tennessee Titans have been trending in the wrong direction over the past two seasons, and that has led to some speculation that the team could part ways with Mike Vrabel. One NFL insider seems to think it is a legitimate possibility.

Michael Lombardi spoke about Vrabel during the latest episode of the former NFL executive’s “GM Shuffle” podcast, which was released on Monday. Lombardi said there are some “real issues” between Vrabel and the Titans’ front office, specifically general manager Ran Carthon.

Lombardi also said Vrabel’s contract expires after the season, but he later took to social media to correct himself.

I misspoke, he has two more years. https://t.co/e8jer6PCZR

— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) January 1, 2024

The Titans announced prior to the 2022 season that Vrabel had signed an extension that would keep him in Tennessee “for years to come.” Vrabel had been entering the final year of his previous deal at the time.

A report earlier this season claimed New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft views Vrabel as his “home run choice” to replace Bill Belichick. If Vrabel is unhappy with Tennessee’s front office, perhaps he will give his old boss a call.

The Titans fell to 5-11 with their blowout loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. They missed the playoffs last year as well. Despite that, all indications have been that the team believes Vrabel remains the right man to have in charge. If the 48-year-old decides he wants a fresh start elsewhere, that will not matter much.