Falcons interview Mike Vrabel for HC vacancy

Field Level Media|published: Wed 24th January, 22:55 2024

Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel runs his team through warmups before their game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Vrabel was fired by owner Amy Adams Strunk Monday after having two losing seasons back-to-back. credits: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Atlanta Falcons announced Wednesday that they conducted an in-person interview with Mike Vrabel as they continue to search for a new head coach.

Vrabel, 48, was head coach of the Titans from 2018 to 2023 and was fired earlier this month after Tennessee completed a 6-11 campaign.

He went 54-45 in his six seasons with the Titans, leading them to the playoffs three times. Tennessee made it to one AFC Championship Game during Vrabel's tenure.

Before joining the Titans' staff, Vrabel was the Houston Texans' linebackers coach from 2014-16 before being promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2017 season. He also spent three seasons at Ohio State (2011-13).

Vrabel had a 14-year NFL career as a linebacker, playing four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1997-2000), eight with the New England Patriots (2001-08) and two with the Kansas City Chiefs (2009-10).

Atlanta has now interviewed 14 candidates for its head-coaching vacancy, a list that includes former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan also spoke with the Falcons, but Harbaugh accepted the Los Angeles Chargers' head-coaching job Wednesday, while Callahan will be on his way to Tennessee as Vrabel's successor.

The Falcons fired Arthur Smith on Jan. 8. He went 21-30 in three seasons at the helm, and Atlanta never reached the playoffs during his tenure.

—Field Level Media

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