The Falcons intend to cast a wide net in the head coach’s hiring pool, and there will be no shortage of options.
Ben Johnson, Bobby Slowik, and Frank Smith headline the up and coming offensive minds. Fresh off a National Championship, it seems Jim Harbaugh is primed to return to the NFL as well. All of them should be considered for the opening.
The club has been most connected to Bill Belichick, who is still currently the head coach of the Patriots but could certainly become available. His time in Foxborough should be considered among the greatest dynasties in the history of sports, and while the fit may be a little wonky on paper, hiring perhaps the best coach to ever to do it is at least intriguing.
However, I’d put one of his former players and subordinates higher on Atlanta’s list — Mike Vrabel, who was let go by the Titans Tuesday afternoon.
In six years with the Titans, Vrabel had four winning seasons and three trips to the playoffs with a 54-45 (.545) record, which is the 12th-best in the NFL over that period. Moreover, consider the quarterbacks he had to deal with — Marcus Mariota, Ryan Tannehill, Blaine Gabbert, Malik Willis, Josh Dobbs, and Will Levis.
Everyone’s reaction to the news of Tennessee firing Vrabel should tell you all you need to know — that it was probably the wrong decision. When every team ends up wanting your former head coach, you may have made a mistake, especially considering they didn’t even trade him.
The Falcons would be fools not spin the wheels on Mike Vrabel. However, an interesting dynamic is his relationship with recently fired Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. The pair worked together in Tennessee and experienced incredible success in 2019 and 2020 with Smith as the offensive coordinator.
One would think that Vrabel would bring Smith with him wherever his next gig is. It would be pretty ironic for the Falcons to hire Mike Vrabel for him to hire his predecessor to his staff. Nevertheless, Atlanta should inquire.
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Photographer: Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire
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