Mike Vrabel. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Former Titans HC Mike Vrabel lands interview for popular vacancy

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 1/18/24

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has earned his first interview for a new lead gig, according to multiple reports.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero first reported Thursday afternoon that Vrabel would be interviewing for the Los Angeles Chargers' vacancy. It's an intriguing opportunity for the 48-year-old but a position that has been a popular target for numerous candidates this winter.

The #Chargers have said prior head coaching experience is a plus in this search. Their interview list now includes Jim Harbaugh, Leslie Frazier and Mike Vrabel, among others, and they’re set to speak to Dan Quinn on Friday. https://t.co/l4tQwiZoaW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 18, 2024

The Chargers also announced Thursday that they'd completed an interview with former Stanford head coach David Shaw. ESPN's Adam Schefter noted that because of this, the team was "in compliance" with the Rooney Rule and is clear to hire their next leader.

While Vrabel faces plenty of competition for the opening in Los Angeles, Schefter further reported that the former Pro Bowl linebacker has at least two other potential suitors.

Former Titans’ HC Mike Vrabel is interviewing today with the Los Angeles Chargers, as @TomPelissero reported. The Falcons and Seahawks also are interested in talking and meeting with Vrabel, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2024

The Bolts fired Brandon Staley in mid-December after two-plus seasons at the helm when the team went 24-24 and had one playoff berth. The move came following a 5-9 start to the 2023 campaign and one day after Los Angeles was crushed by the Las Vegas Raiders, 63-21, on "Thursday Night Football."

Staley's firing was expected by most, but Tennessee's breakup with Vrabel was more surprising.

The former longtime New England Patriots linebacker was let go by the Titans in January, two days after the team upset the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18 to keep their division rivals out of the playoffs.

Vrabel's firing came exactly 13 years following his final game as a player.

He was hired by Tennessee in January 2018 and began his tenure with four straight winning seasons and three playoff berths, but the Titans went just 13-21 from 2022-23. Tennessee's 6-11 finish this past season was its worst since 2015.

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