Mike Vrabel is a former NFL linebacker and current NFL coach. He played college football at Ohio State, earning All-American honors. As an NFL player for 14 seasons, most notably with the New England Patriots, Vrabel won three Super Bowls and was named a First-team All-Pro. He is distinguished as the only defensive player to score touchdowns in two consecutive Super Bowls. He is currently the head coach for the New England Patriots.
August 14, 1975: Michael Vrabel Born
On August 14, 1975, Michael George Vrabel was born. He would go on to become an American football coach and former linebacker.
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1982: Official Recording of Sacks Began
In 1982, the official recording of sacks began in the NFL, setting the stage for future defensive records.
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1986: Super Bowl XX
In 1986, William "Refrigerator" Perry scored a Super Bowl touchdown on offense for the Chicago Bears against the Patriots.
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1993: Graduated High School
In 1993, Michael Vrabel graduated from Walsh Jesuit High School where he was a standout on their football team.
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1993: Attended Ohio State University
In 1993, Vrabel started playing defensive end at Ohio State University, starting his collegiate football career.
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1995: Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year
In 1995, Vrabel was named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year at Ohio State.
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1996: Consensus All-American
In 1996, as a senior, Vrabel was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American at Ohio State.
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1997: Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers
In 1997, Vrabel was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the NFL draft, marking the start of his professional career.
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1998: 1998 NFL Season
In 1998, Mike Vrabel recorded 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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1999: 1999 NFL Season
In 1999, Mike Vrabel recorded 9 tackles and two sacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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2000: 2000 NFL Season
In 2000, Mike Vrabel recorded 15 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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2001: Joined New England Patriots
In 2001, Vrabel joined the New England Patriots as a free agent, starting a new chapter in his NFL career.
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2004: Caught Two Touchdown Passes
In 2004, Vrabel caught two touchdown passes.
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2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Touchdown
In 2004, during Super Bowl XXXVIII, Vrabel caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady, becoming the first defensive player to score a Super Bowl touchdown on offense since 1986.
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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.
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2005: Caught Three Touchdown Passes
In 2005, Vrabel caught three touchdown passes, adding to his record as a versatile player.
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2005: Moved to Inside Linebacker
In 2005, Vrabel moved to inside linebacker for the Patriots, a key shift that improved the team's defense.
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2005: Super Bowl XXXIX Touchdown
In 2005, during Super Bowl XXXIX, Vrabel caught a two-yard touchdown pass, making him one of 17 players to catch two or more touchdown passes in Super Bowls.
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2006: Moved Inside Again Late in the Season
Late in the 2006 season, Vrabel moved inside again after Junior Seau suffered a broken arm.
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December 2007: Selected to Pro Bowl
In December 2007, Vrabel was selected to start at the Pro Bowl, recognizing his outstanding performance.
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2007: Caught Two Touchdown Passes
In 2007, Vrabel caught two touchdown passes, showcasing his consistent performance as a receiver.
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January 2008: Named to NFL All-Pro Team
In January 2008, Vrabel was named to the NFL All-Pro team for the 2007 season, highlighting his exceptional contributions.
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2008: Titans Last AFC South Win
The 2020 AFC South win was the first since 2008.
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February 27, 2009: Traded to Kansas City Chiefs
On February 27, 2009, Vrabel was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the end of his tenure with the Patriots.
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2009: Caught a Touchdown Pass
In 2009, Vrabel caught a touchdown pass with the Kansas City Chiefs, thrown by Matt Cassel.
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2010: Caught a Touchdown Pass
In 2010, Vrabel caught a touchdown pass with the Kansas City Chiefs, thrown by Matt Cassel.
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July 10, 2011: Retired from NFL
On July 10, 2011, Vrabel retired from the NFL to become the linebackers coach at Ohio State.
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December 21, 2011: Joined Ohio State Coaching Staff
On December 21, 2011, Vrabel joined Urban Meyer's coaching staff at Ohio State as the defensive line coach, continuing his career in football.
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January 10, 2014: Hired by Houston Texans
On January 10, 2014, Vrabel was hired by the Houston Texans as a linebackers coach, marking his return to the NFL coaching ranks.
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January 2016: Declined Defensive Coordinator Job
In January 2016, Vrabel declined the San Francisco 49ers' offer for their defensive coordinator job and remained with the Houston Texans.
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January 2017: Named Texans Defensive Coordinator
In January 2017, Vrabel was named the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, succeeding Romeo Crennel.
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2017: Titans' Defense Ranking
In 2017, the Titans' defense ranked 13th in the NFL.
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January 20, 2018: Hired as Titans Head Coach
On January 20, 2018, Vrabel was hired as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, starting a new phase in his coaching career.
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September 16, 2018: First Career Win as Head Coach
On September 16, 2018, Vrabel secured his first career win as a head coach, leading the Titans to a 20–17 victory over the Houston Texans.
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September 30, 2018: Upset Victory Over Eagles
On September 30, 2018, Vrabel led the Titans to a 26–23 overtime victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
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November 11, 2018: Victory Over Bill Belichick
On November 11, 2018, Vrabel beat his former coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots in a 34–10 victory.
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September 2019: Carter Committed to Play Baseball
In September 2019, Vrabel's son, Carter, committed to play baseball at Wabash Valley College, showcasing the family's athletic involvement.
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2019: Playoff Run
In 2019, Vrabel led the Titans to a 9-7 record, securing a playoff berth as a sixth seed and advancing to their first AFC Championship in seventeen seasons.
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2020: AFC South Win
In the 2020 season, Vrabel led the Titans to an 11-5 record and won the AFC South for the first time since 2008.
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2021: AP Coach of the Year
In 2021, Vrabel led the Titans to a 12-5 record, earning him the AP Coach of the Year award.
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2022: Missed Playoffs
In the 2022 season, the Titans missed the playoffs with a 7-10 record.
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2023: Dismissed from Titans
After the 2023 season, which ended with a 6–11 record, Vrabel was dismissed from the Titans.
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March 15, 2024: Signed with Cleveland Browns
On March 15, 2024, Vrabel signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant.
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January 12, 2025: Hired as Patriots Head Coach
On January 12, 2025, Vrabel was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots, marking a return to his former team.
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