Mike Vrabel was widely expected to be one of the top available head coaching candidates this offseason when the Tennessee Titans decided to part ways with him following the season. But he did not get offered a single head coaching position, and there might be a pretty shocking reason why – his size.
According to NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic on the latest episode of The Athletic Football Show, Russini revealed that Vrabel’s large size was “a factor” in teams deciding not to hire him as their head coach.
“I don’t think there was a fit for him. I don’t think he sat in front of any owner who thought that his style was going to work for what they were looking for,” Russini said of Mike Vrabel.
Full quote for context pic.twitter.com/ZsFNaVwIPK
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 5, 2024
“I had a GM at the Senior Bowl who mentioned to me Vrabel’s physical build. That he’s a very large human being. And can be very intimidating to people in an organization that are going to be part of these decisions. And that is a factor,” Russini continued. “I laughed and said ‘Stop, that’s not something that’s real. Who cares what someone physically looks like?’ And he said ‘I’m just telling you, I’ve been in meetings, and someone’s physical presence can make a difference.'”
It would certainly be a shocking reason for a team not to hire a head coach.
