Tennessee Titans Name Mike Vrabel New Coach

NASHVILLE, TN — The Tennessee Titans named Houston Texans defensive coordinator and long-time NFL linebacker as head coach Saturday. An introductory press conference is planned for Monday.

Vrabel was one of three candidates to interview for the job left open after the team and Mike Mularkey “parted ways” Monday, but he was the only one with a past relationship with Titans general manager Jon Robinson, who was working with the New England Patriots when Vrabel played there between 2001 and 2008.

“I am excited to have Mike Vrabel joining our organization as our new head coach," Titans Controlling Owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. "In the interaction between Mike and Jon (Robinson) during the interview, you could see their connection right away from the history they have with one another - seeing the game in a similar way and talking the same language. Mike has a commanding presence and a deep knowledge for how he will attack this head coaching opportunity. Throughout his football career, he has played for, been mentored by and coached with successful teams and organizations. He knows what it takes to reach that level of sustained success - he has seen it first-hand. We have a chance to build on the solid foundation that we established over the past couple of years and I believe Mike is the right person to continue that progress."

Vrabel, 42, spent 14 years in the NFL. Prior to his stint as defensive coordinator, he was the Texans linebackers coach and also coached at Ohio State.