Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mike Vrabel

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mike Vrabel made an impact.

Mike Vrabel is an American football coach and former NFL linebacker. He played 14 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New England Patriots, where he achieved significant success. Following his playing career, Vrabel transitioned to coaching, serving as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. He is now the head coach for the New England Patriots.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Vrabel Begins Playing at Ohio State

In 1993, Vrabel began playing defensive end for the Ohio State University Buckeyes after accepting an athletic scholarship.

1995: Named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year

In 1995, Vrabel was named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

1996: Named Consensus First-Team All-American and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year

In 1996, as a senior, Vrabel was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. He also won Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

1997: Selected by Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL Draft

In 1997, Vrabel was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (91st overall) of the NFL draft, beginning his NFL career.

1998: Strip-sacked Drew Bledsoe to Clinch Win

In his rookie season in 1997-98, Vrabel strip-sacked Drew Bledsoe in the 1997–98 AFC Divisional Playoffs to clinch a 7–6 win for the Steelers, advancing them to the AFC Championship Game. Vrabel also had 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 1998.

1999: Vrabel's 1999 Season with the Steelers

In 1999, Vrabel recorded 9 tackles and two sacks with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2000: Vrabel's 2000 Season with the Steelers

In 2000, Vrabel recorded 15 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2001: Joined the New England Patriots

In 2001, Vrabel joined the New England Patriots as a free agent, playing in every game on defense.

2002: Caught a Touchdown

In 2002, Vrabel caught one touchdown pass during the regular season with the Patriots.

2004: Caught Two Touchdowns

In 2004, Vrabel caught two touchdown passes during the regular season with the Patriots.

2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Touchdown

In 2004, during Super Bowl XXXVIII, Tom Brady threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Vrabel, who also recorded two sacks (one forcing a fumble) against the Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme.

December 26, 2005: Two Touchdown Catches and a Sack

On December 26, 2005, Vrabel became the first player since 1982 to have two touchdown catches and a sack in the same game during Monday Night Football.

2005: Caught Three Touchdowns

In 2005, Vrabel caught three touchdown passes during the regular season with the Patriots.

2005: Moved to Inside Linebacker

In 2005, Vrabel moved to inside linebacker due to the limited effectiveness of other players at that position.

2005: Super Bowl XXXIX Touchdown

In 2005, during Super Bowl XXXIX, Vrabel caught a two-yard touchdown pass despite being held, which was featured on the cover of the 2005 NFL Record and Fact Book.

2006: Moved Inside Again Due to Injury

Late in the 2006 season, Vrabel moved to inside linebacker again after Junior Seau suffered a broken arm.

December 2007: Selected to Pro Bowl

In December 2007, Vrabel was selected to start at the Pro Bowl, recognizing his performance during the season.

2007: Caught Two Touchdowns

In 2007, Vrabel caught two touchdown passes during the regular season with the Patriots.

January 2008: Named to NFL All-Pro Team

In January 2008, Vrabel was named to the NFL All-Pro team for the 2007 season, further highlighting his outstanding performance.

February 27, 2009: Traded to Kansas City Chiefs

On February 27, 2009, the Patriots traded Vrabel and Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs for a second-round draft pick.

2009: Caught a Touchdown Pass

In 2009, Vrabel caught one touchdown pass with the Chiefs (thrown by former Patriot Matt Cassel).

2010: Caught a Touchdown Pass

In 2010, Vrabel caught one touchdown pass with the Chiefs (thrown by former Patriot Matt Cassel).

July 10, 2011: Retired to Become Linebackers Coach

On July 10, 2011, Vrabel retired from the NFL to become the linebackers coach at Ohio State.

January 10, 2014: Hired by Houston Texans as Linebackers Coach

On January 10, 2014, Vrabel was hired by the Houston Texans as a linebackers coach.

January 2016: Declined Defensive Coordinator Job with 49ers

In January 2016, Vrabel declined an offer from the San Francisco 49ers to become their defensive coordinator, remaining with the Houston Texans.

January 2017: Named Defensive Coordinator for Texans

In January 2017, Vrabel was named the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, succeeding Romeo Crennel.

January 20, 2018: Hired as Head Coach of Tennessee Titans

On January 20, 2018, Vrabel was hired as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans on a five-year deal.

September 16, 2018: First Career Win as Head Coach

On September 16, 2018, Vrabel secured his first career win as a head coach, with the Titans defeating the Houston Texans 20–17.

September 30, 2018: Overtime Victory Over Philadelphia Eagles

On September 30, 2018, Vrabel led the Titans to a 26–23 overtime victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

November 11, 2018: Victory Over New England Patriots

On November 11, 2018, Vrabel beat his former longtime coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots in a 34–10 victory.

2019: Led Titans to AFC Championship Game

In the 2019 season, Vrabel led the Titans to the playoffs as a sixth seed and advanced to the AFC Championship Game where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Along the way they upset the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens.

2020: Titans Win AFC South

In the 2020 season, Vrabel led the Titans to an 11-5 record, winning the AFC South for the first time since 2008, but lost in the wild card round to the Ravens.

2021: Named AP Coach of the Year

In the 2021 season, Vrabel led the Titans to a 12–5 record and the #1 overall seed in the AFC and was named the AP Coach of the Year for his work that season, despite losing in the Divisional Round.