Grading Mike Vrabel’s first three years as head coach

In-game management

Ah, situational football. Should the Titans go for it on 4th and 2 from the opponent’s 40 while down 4 in a playoff game or not? What do the analytics say? What does Twitter say?

It’s everyone’s favorite topic and easily the aspect of coaching that is the most heavily scrutinized. Vrabel was recently under the microscope for his decision to punt rather than trying to extend a drive against Baltimore in this season’s Wild Card game and was hammered by the media and fans alike for his passive decision.

For better or for worse, it’s the in-game decision making that often spins the narrative on a head coach. And while that same darn recency bias should crucify Vrabel, I shall not succumb to it. This has been a strength of Vrabel’s throughout his tenure in Tennessee.

Vrabel made it clear early on that he was going to be an aggressive coach in this league, and it has largely paid off for him. His third victory as a head coach was an overtime win against the Eagles, in which he had an opportunity to tie the game by kicking a field goal. Vrabel went for the win, though, and was rewarded for his bold decision once Marcus Mariota lofted a touchdown pass to Corey Davis with 11 seconds remaining on the clock.

Three weeks later he was criticized for foregoing an extra point against the Chargers, which would’ve sent the game into overtime. Playing in London, the Titans had the momentum late in the game, but Vrabel chose to go for two points and the win in regulation. The chance was unsuccessful, but I personally do not argue the decision. Going for the win three weeks paid off, it did not against the Chargers. You learn to live with the calculated risk-taking.

Vrabel has also showed off his acumen for understanding the rule book and its loopholes multiple times since taking over as Titans head coach. Perhaps his most memorable moment came against the Patriots in last year’s Wild Card round. Vrabel essentially “out-Belichick’ed Belichick,” taking multiple penalties that shaved off-key minutes of the game in the fourth quarter before punting the ball. Belichick was livid on the opposing sideline, while Vrabel certainly knew he got under his former coach’s skin in a very significant time of the game.

His decision to put Josh Kalu on the field as a 12th player and take a penalty against Houston this year also proved to be genius, as it helped the Titans preserve a timeout while trailing late against the Texans. Houston’s drive stalled following the penalty and the Titans were able to send the game into overtime on their next possession.

Yes, Vrabel went against his typically aggressive nature against the Ravens just a few weeks ago, but he has often been a bit of a clairvoyant with his in-game decision making. No coach is perfect, but Vrabel has earned the benefit of the doubt from this writer.

I give him an A- here.