Although Jim Harbaugh would be the ideal candidate to replace Pete Carroll as the Seattle Seahawks coach, there is no indication that he is being considered for the job. Instead, the Seahawks have requested interviews with eight assistant coaches from various teams, all of whom are currently employed in the NFL. However, one name that stands out to me is Mike Vrabel, a current free agent in the league. Vrabel possesses the leadership qualities that are essential for a head coach, according to former players, coaches, and pundits. His teams in Tennessee had a defined identity, which was physical, well-balanced, and dominant on the line of scrimmage. Vrabel’s style of football is exactly what I would like to see return to Seattle, and it is the same style that has proven successful for Baltimore and San Francisco. Additionally, Vrabel’s relatability to players is a crucial quality in today’s game, where engagement is more important than ever. As a former player with significant experience, Vrabel understands how to reach modern athletes and has had success with traditionally struggling franchises, much like Detroit’s Dan Campbell and Houston’s DeMeco Ryans.
Vrabel’s teams are known for their perseverance and determination, and he has valuable experience leading a franchise. Unlike many coaches from the Belichick tree, Vrabel has learned from his mentor without attempting to replicate his top-down dictatorial approach. Additionally, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Vrabel has a strong relationship with Schneider, which is crucial for sustained success.
Despite being recently fired, Vrabel’s record is impressive. He led Tennessee to three playoff appearances and never had a season with fewer than six wins. Even in his worst season, his team managed to beat the Dolphins and outplay the Seahawks.
While Vrabel’s case for being a head coach isn’t as strong as Harbaugh’s, he brings unique qualities and proven leadership skills to the table. Furthermore, his first day with Geno Smith would be an improvement compared to the quarterbacks he’s had in the past.
