Mike Vrabel's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Mike Vrabel.

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

1982: Official Recording of Sacks

In 1982, the official recording of sacks began, marking a change in how defensive statistics were tracked in the NFL.

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.

2000: Named to Ohio State Football All-Century Team

In 2000, Vrabel was named to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team, recognizing his contributions to the university's football program.

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: 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.

December 2007: Selected to Pro Bowl

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

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.

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.