Vrabel spent six seasons as the Tennessee Titans head coach, compiling a 54-45 record before being fired after a 6-11 campaign in 2023. The 49-year-old spent 2024 as a coaching and personnel consultant in Cleveland. His contract expired this week, allowing him to interview for coaching gigs before the season ends.
A three-time Super Bowl champion as a player with the New England Patriots, Vrabel was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2021 with the Titans. He often coaxed more wins out of a wanting roster in Tennessee than expected, and his teams were known to play above their talent level.
In six seasons with the Titans, Vrabel made the playoffs three times, including a trip to the AFC title game in 2019 (loss to Kansas City).
A no-nonsense coach, Vrabel has the experience and personality traits to help turn around a team like the Jets, who have regularly underperformed during their streak of playoff futility (2010).
Vrabel is expected to be a highly sought-after candidate during this coaching cycle and one of the top candidates with previous experience.
The Jets previously interviewed Ron Rivera for their open coaching gig.