When the Patriots made the bold move to part ways with Jerod Mayo after just one season, the spotlight immediately turned to one name: Mike Vrabel. A former Patriot, a proven leader, and yes, a coach who had just been fired by the Titans - Vrabel wasn’t a risk-free hire. But fast forward to now, with New England one win away from the Super Bowl, it’s safe to say the gamble has paid off in a big way.
Meanwhile, things in Tennessee have gone in the opposite direction - and fast. Brian Callahan, Vrabel’s replacement, didn’t even make it through a full season.
After just five games, the Titans pulled the plug, and he finished his brief tenure with a 4-19 record. Now, as the Patriots prepare for the AFC Championship, the Titans are already in offseason mode, watching from home and wondering what went wrong.
And yet, despite the glaring contrast in outcomes, Titans fans don’t seem to be losing sleep over Vrabel’s departure. In fact, many are doubling down on the decision to move on from him - even as he’s on the cusp of taking New England to the Super Bowl in his first year.
That reaction came into focus after the Patriots’ playoff win over the Texans, when Nashville sports radio host Chad Withrow took to social media to question the Titans’ choice to let Vrabel walk. His post sparked a wave of responses - not of regret, but of justification. Many fans pointed to what they see as an “easy schedule” for the Patriots, downplaying Vrabel’s success and standing by the belief that moving on was the right call.
It’s a surprising stance, especially when you consider the context of Vrabel’s final years in Tennessee. The Titans’ roster had been depleted by a series of questionable front office decisions - none more damaging than the A.J.
Brown trade, which Vrabel openly opposed. That move, among others, left the team short on top-tier talent and ultimately contributed to their decline.
It’s hard to win in the NFL without playmakers, and Vrabel was trying to do just that.
Now, with the Titans reportedly eyeing Robert Saleh as their next head coach, there’s a sense of déjà vu setting in. Saleh, like Callahan, is coming off a tough stint as a head coach - this time with the Jets - and while he brings defensive pedigree, he’s far from a sure thing. The Titans are hoping for a reset, but there’s no guarantee this next chapter will be any better than the last.
On the flip side, the Patriots look rejuvenated. Vrabel has brought a clear identity back to Foxborough - tough, disciplined football with a locker room that’s bought in.
That’s not easy to establish in Year One, especially with a team that’s still finding its post-Brady footing. But Vrabel’s doing it, and doing it well.
So while Tennessee fans may not be mourning Vrabel’s exit just yet, the contrast between these two franchises couldn’t be more stark. One is on the rise, playing for a shot at the Lombardi Trophy. The other is searching - again - for the right leader to steady the ship.
Time will tell if the Titans made the right call. But right now, it sure looks like New England did.