Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel’s absence from this year’s coaching hires in the NFL has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions. One of the reasons being circulated for his exclusion is his physical stature, which is a surprising and absurd excuse. It seems that some front office executives believe that Vrabel’s size, as a former player turned head coach, would be intimidating to people within an organization. However, this reasoning is unfounded and unfair.
There are already other coaches in the league who are similar in size or even bigger than Vrabel. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell stands at 6’5″, only slightly taller than Vrabel. Ron Rivera, the former head coach of the Washington Football Team, is about 6’3″. These coaches have been successful in their careers and have not faced any discrimination based on their size. It is unjust to assume that Vrabel’s physical presence should hinder his chances of being hired.
Moreover, the NFL has a history of employing individuals who have been involved in serious misconduct, including allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault. The league appears to have few qualms about giving opportunities to individuals with questionable character. So, for executives to suddenly become concerned about Vrabel’s size and its potential impact on the organization is perplexing.
It is worth noting that Vrabel’s tenure with the Titans was largely successful. Under his leadership, the team had four winning seasons, reached the AFC Championship game, and made the playoffs three times in six years. While they struggled in the last couple of seasons, Vrabel’s overall track record speaks for itself. The notion that he is an intimidating figure is baseless and undermines his accomplishments as a coach.
There is also a conspiracy theory circulating that suggests Bill Belichick, the legendary New England Patriots head coach, and Vrabel have been “shadow-banned” by NFL franchises. This theory gained traction when Dan Quinn, who was fired by the Atlanta Falcons, secured a new coaching job before either Belichick or Vrabel. It is an interesting perspective that raises questions about the dynamics of hiring decisions in the league.
In the end, Vrabel’s exclusion from this year’s coaching hires may not be the main issue. He is likely to find another opportunity in the future. However, the fact that his size was considered a factor in the decision-making process is disheartening. It is crucial for NFL organizations to focus on qualifications, experience, and character when making coaching hires, rather than physical appearance. The league should not discriminate against coaches based on their size or any other irrelevant factors.
