Mike Vrabel firing prompts swift social media reaction to Tennessee Titans news
Minutes after news broke that the Tennessee Titans fired coach Mike Vrabel, reactions from the organization's decision began to pour in on the X platform, formerly Twitter.
Most expressed shock in the decision despite the Titans' 6-11 season and missing the playoffs this season including Titans running back Derrick Henry, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
Derrick Henry reaction after Mike Vrabel fired
Just spoke to Derrick Henry over the phone, "Wow. Wow. I'm shocked. Coach Vrabel is a leader of men. He is a great coach and teacher. I know he will get another opportunity right away. I look forward to it."
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 9, 2024
Henry expressed his appreciation to Titans fans after Tennessee's 28-20 win over Jacksonville last Sunday in which Henry ran for 153 yards and a touchdown. The Titans have not made a decision on the 30-year-old running back whose contract expires at the ends this season.
Other reaction to Tennessee Titans news
Some are confident that Vrabel will quickly find another coaching job as positions open up across the NFL.
Vrabel will have a job the second he wants one. Players have real love and respect for the man and play hard for him.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) January 9, 2024
During Tuesday's taping of the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN, commentators floated the idea of a possible Bill Belichick reunion with Vrabel.
"COME BACK HOME VRABEL"@BostonConnr#PMSLivehttps://t.co/mHfkAwitdzpic.twitter.com/1BizX2xd5p
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 9, 2024
Belichick's status in New England could change in the coming days or weeks. The Patriots finished 4-13, but if owner Robert Kraft decides to stick with the six-time Super Bowl winning coach, Vrabel could be an attractive addition to Belichick's staff. Vrabel played linebacker in New England from 2001-2008 and won three Super Bowls with the organization.
Former Titans offensive lineman, Taylor Lewan, spoke with the NFL Network's Rich Eisen and was on Eisen's show late Tuesday morning when news hit of Vrabel firing.
💻 @TaylorLewan77
We were LIVE with the former #Titans tackle when we all learned head coach Mike Vrabel was fired — WOW!#NFLpic.twitter.com/pWg9aoBT0s— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) January 9, 2024
Not everyone is confident the Titans made the right call with Tuesday's firing. Author Michael Lombardi said the Titans created two problems with moving on from Vrabel.
Does anyone in Tennessee know how hard it will be to replace Vrabel? GM's two main jobs.
get a great head coach
fix the qb short and long term
Yesterday Tenneesse had one, now they need two.— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) January 9, 2024
Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com and on the X platform (formerly Twitter) @Cville_Sports.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mike Vrabel fired by Tennessee Titans. See social media reaction to news
