By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — As the New Orleans Saints approach the end of their season, their upcoming head coaching search will begin to heat up. One candidate that they have already been tied to, is now available to be interviewed immediately.
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spent this season in a consulting position with the Cleveland Browns. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that agreement has now expired.
Mike Vrabel’s consulting agreement with the Cleveland Browns expired today, per league source. pic.twitter.com/IUjVVZRZiV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2024
Schefter also mentioned Vrabel’s name in a report preceding the Saints’ Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers on ESPN.
“They’re going to heat up their coaching search toward the end of this season,” Schefter said of the Saints pregame. “One of the candidates expected to be square on their radar will be the (Detroit) Lions’ defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who’s coached in New Orleans, has a history with the franchise. The organization knows him well. I also would expect that the organization would have some level of interest in the former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.”
Vrabel is an intriguing option for sure. He has a reputation as a successful culture-builder and led the Titans to three playoff appearances in his six seasons with the team.
Vrabel would likely need to bring in a new defensive playcaller in the process and could potentially look to keep Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in the building, giving him a second season to see what he can do with a healthy roster.
The Saints have a blend of veteran and young players, which could be ideal for Vrabel’s no-nonsense approach. Locked On Titans host Tyler Rowland believes that the former Tennessee coach could be a great fit in New Orleans for that very reason.
The Saints may wait until the season is fully concluded to begin interviews for their open position, especially with interim head coach Darren Rizzi likely to also be considered in the process. But Vrabel is available to be interviewed immediately and the New York Jets are getting a head start on their search, so the Saints could feel the pressure to do the same.
