Derrick Henry (22) and Mike Vrabel on the sideline. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Derrick Henry 'shocked' by Titans' decision with Mike Vrabel

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 1/9/24

With franchise stalwarts Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill entering free agency this winter, the Tennessee Titans are expected to look significantly different next season.

After weeks, if not months of rumors , Mike Vrabel was fired from his position as the team's head coach on Tuesday, leaving the Pro Bowl running back "shocked."

The Tennessee Titans have fired head coach Mike Vrabel, a team source said. Just six weeks ago, owner Amy Adams Strunk had plans for Vrabel to be part of the organization for years to come, believing they had a top NFL coach. Recently, ownership changed its mind.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 9, 2024

Just spoke to Derrick Henry over the phone, "Wow. Wow. I'm shocked. Coach Vrabel is a leader of men. He is a great coach and teacher. I know he will get another opportunity right away. I look forward to it."
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 9, 2024

Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Vrabel "never asked ownership for a trade or asked out of Tennessee," but the organization wanted to "move on quickly" and thought that trading the former linebacker was "too complicated and would take too long."

Tuesday marks 13 years since the one-time Pro Bowler's final game as a player. It's also just over 13 months since the franchise fired former general manager Jon Robinson after his six-plus season run with the club.

Following three seasons as an assistant coach with his alma mater (Ohio State), Vrabel served as the Houston Texans linebackers coach from 2014-16 and defensive coordinator in 2017. Vrabel was hired as the Titans head coach in January 2018 and while he produced four straight winning campaigns and three playoff berths to start his tenure, the team went just 13-21 over the last two years.

The 6-11 finish in 2023 was Tennessee's worst since 2015.

Vrabel exits the franchise with a career mark of 54-45 in the regular season, a 2-3 record in the playoffs and one AP Coach of the Year (2021) as well.

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