Tennessee Titans: Weighing Mike Vrabel's options at defensive coordinator
NASHVILLE — Almost two months have passed since the Tennessee Titans announced the finalization of coach Mike Vrabel’s 2020 staff without a defensive coordinator. At this point, no decision has been made on who will call the plays. “Still obviously processing a lot of that information, and the role that I want to play,” Vrabel […]
NASHVILLE — Almost two months have passed since the Tennessee Titans announced the finalization of coach Mike Vrabel’s 2020 staff without a defensive coordinator.
At this point, no decision has been made on who will call the plays.
“Still obviously processing a lot of that information, and the role that I want to play,” Vrabel told media via conference call last week. “I love our staff, I’m excited about our staff, our conversations in the morning to get the playbook exactly how we want it, find out what we did well and continue to do that.
“What we needed, what we don’t need, how much is too much in the book. That’s kind of what we’re doing now, and we’ll have somebody call. I just need to continue to work through that process and figure out what my involvement is going to be and to what extent.”
Precious little clarity. What we do know: Vrabel assuming a more significant role is on the table.
Pros
Play-calling head coaches are far from uncommon in today’s NFL. During the 2019 season, Freddie Kitchens, Matt LaFleur, Kliff Kingsbury, Mike Zimmer, Ron Rivera, Zac Taylor, Sean Payton, Kyle Shanahan, Vic Fangio, Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Matt Nagy, Jon Gruden, Pat Shurmur and Doug Pederson all operated as one of their team’s primary coordinators at various points. Each case varies but the successes seem to focus on how those responsibilities are balanced out. It helps that Vrabel’s last job was running the defense for the Houston Texans.
If Vrabel decides to shoulder more responsibility in this third year, he has to be willing to delegate.
Dean Pees, now retired, provided a steadying force for Vrabel and Co. during their first two years in Tennessee. New inside linebackers coach Jim Haslett brings 24 combined years of NFL experience. After a nine-year playing career, Haslett is the only person recognized as a College Football Hall of Fame member (as a player), an Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and an AP NFL Coach of the Year.
Haslett even fills his (potential) predecessor’s requisite of coordinating defenses that Vrabel played on. One could do worse for experienced advice.
Cons
Something has to give with Vrabel considering a more involved role.
It is totally reasonable to believe that Vrabel and his staff are accustomed to NFL offseasons enough through two years that they can operate with more efficiency. Experience is time saved and Vrabel is more than capable of working smarter, not harder. COVID-19’s effects, though, cast uncertainty on what an the the short-term future holds
Monday would have been the start of offseason workouts for teams with new head coaches. Commissioner Rodger Goodell informed teams that the NFL draft will take place virtually this year. Free agency exists in a sort of medical limbo.
Football life is not normal in 2020.
Vrabel’s (and all of his colleagues’) ability to manage will be tested in ways far different this year. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith with almost all of last year’s cast returning goes a long way. But, if Vrabel hones in on defense, can Smith operate as the head coach on offense. Pairings like this have been effective (Wade Phillips & McVay, Chuck Pagano & Nagy, LaFleur & Mike Pettine, etc.) but at what additional strain?
Another hallmark of the Titans’ coach is the one-on-one manner in which he handles drills with players. Plenty of viral videos result from draft prospects’ Pro Days around the country or Sunday pregame defensive line workouts with the infamous chest pad. Vrabel has prioritized being a part of every position meeting and classroom setting for his players and coaches on a regular basis. It’s a testament to him and the people he hired around him as teachers.
All of this might be possible under normal circumstances but the NFL is operating at a time without precedent.
Standard Setting
Vrabel made it clear to TitansOnline.com during Super Bowl week that he places a premium on knowledge of system. The remark is often made in sports about "not wanting to be the guy that follows THE guy" and replacing Pees sets a tough standard. Allowing the 12th fewest points in football during 2020 speaks more to a strong start than how the injury-maligned defense finished. Uncertainty at pass rush and the absence of Jurrell Casey make it a delicate balance to strike.
Vrabel and GM Jon Robinson will do their due diligence in finding a solution. Both men will have to decide just how much more involved Vrabel wants to be in times of social distancing.
Featured Image: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports.
