Ex-Titans Coach Mike Vrabel Was Displeased With Reports on His ‘Intimidating’ Size

In Nashville, Dianna Russini, an NFL insider for The Athletic, recently recounted a conversation where former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel expressed frustration over reports suggesting his physical stature played a role in his struggles to land a coaching job during the 2024 NFL hiring cycle. Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast, ESPN reporter Dianna Russini mentioned that Vrabel was upset after seeing a report implying he was too overweight for an NFL coaching role. However, it’s worth noting that the original report didn’t directly label Vrabel as overweight. Instead, an unnamed NFL general manager reportedly told Russini that Vrabel’s imposing 6’4″ stature might intimidate some teams.

“He called me the day after an aggregator twisted something I said, making it seem like Mike Vrabel is too overweight to work,” Russini stated on Pardon My Take. “What I actually shared was a conversation with a GM during the Senior Bowl, where we discussed the unusual coaching cycle and the absence of job offers for Bill Belichick and Vrabel. When asked why Vrabel didn’t land a job, the GM said, ‘I think they needed a change in Tennessee, but moving forward, I think many are intimidated by him. He exudes confidence, and his physical presence can be overwhelming at first.’ Doesn’t seem out of the ordinary, right? … His hands are as big as your head.” Russini felt her report was misinterpreted and didn’t appreciate the uncomfortable conversation with an irked Vrabel.

“So, when the aggregators twisted my words, it was disheartening to hear from a displeased head coach – well, former head coach now,” Russini added. “He didn’t reach out after our piece on his firing, but the one suggesting he’s overweight certainly got his attention.”

During his NFL career, Vrabel played for 14 seasons, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 261 pounds, according to Pro Football Reference. He coached the Titans for six seasons before his dismissal in January, following three playoff appearances and two consecutive losing seasons. Despite speculation that he might secure one of the seven available coaching positions besides the Titans, Vrabel was left out. During Super Bowl week, Russini speculated on a possible reason.

“At the Senior Bowl, a GM mentioned Vrabel’s physical stature,” Russini said on The Athletic Football Show. “He’s a large individual, which could be intimidating for those involved in organizational decisions. That could be a contributing factor.”

During the offseason, Vrabel interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Chargers.