Is Mike Vrabel truly determined to move to the NFC South?
The former Tennessee Titans head coach was scheduled to interview with the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He had reported last week that Vrabel planned to talk with the Falcons.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington then added a new twist to Vrabel’s options. He reported that after Vrabel met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank Wednesday night, he would fly to Charlotte for a meeting with the Carolina Panthers.
Former #Titans coach Mike Vrabel is at the #Falcons' facility today to interview for the head coaching job, per source.
So, Vrabel and Ejiro Evero with Atlanta today. Jim Harbaugh was, and still is, tentatively set for a second meeting Thursday, along with Bobby Slowik.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 24, 2024
Sources: After Mike Vrabel meets with Falcons owner Arthur Blank at Blank’s home later today in the Atlanta area, he will fly to Carolina tonight to meet with the Panthers on Thursday.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 24, 2024
There’s a crowded field in the Atlanta coaching search. Bill Belichick interviewed last week, but that potential pairing has reportedly lost steam. Texans OC Bobby Slowik and Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero have both interviewed and were reportedly set for second interviews. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has already interviewed, although a second meeting with the team has been postponed, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Vrabel faces more of an uphill battle if he takes the Panthers job. The team finished 2-15, and traded precious draft capital to the Chicago Bears to move up and select quarterback Bryce Young No. 1 last year. And owner David Tepper has earned a reputation for being too involved with football-related decisions.
The NFL world reacted with surprise to the Panthers rumors.
Vrabel can not possibly be willing to take the Carolina job
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) January 24, 2024
Intrigue grows: https://t.co/5BXWNSt06S
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2024
This is an interesting twist for the Panthers. They need a strong leader and Vrabel would be that. https://t.co/Bi7eI6JKHS
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) January 24, 2024
If I were Vrabel I’d take the year off. He’s the best coach on the market imo. Wait until the perfect job opens, don’t just take one for the sake of taking one. Philly or Dallas might be open a year from now, or some other desirable job we’re not thinking of. https://t.co/cbNHSaRAUE
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) January 24, 2024
It’s happening…… https://t.co/50UHYaPJOH pic.twitter.com/1Wihb7fpaM
— Kham (@Khamp177) January 24, 2024
👀 WOW. Holy schnikeys. Mike Vrabel interviewing in Carolina? https://t.co/PNbTNP9SiX
— Keep Purring Podcast (Ben) (@KeepPurringBen) January 24, 2024
IF Dan Can Hire Mike Vrabel I’ll be 100 % convinced Tepper has stepped back & Dan is 100 % in charge https://t.co/836udqYIOn
— C3-PantherPickle (@PantherPickle) January 24, 2024