Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mike Vrabel's Patriots Hall of Fame speech resurfaces amid firing, Bill Belichick speculation

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 1/10/24

The Tennessee Titans fired head coach Mike Vrabel on Tuesday, but could recent comments hint at a homecoming with his former team?

Vrabel became one of the best head-coaching free agents available after his six-year run with the Titans abruptly ended. Patriots fans and some analysts were quick to link Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls with New England as a player, as an ideal successor to Bill Belichick if the latter does not return as their head coach next season.

Vrabel’s speech during his October induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame has since resurfaced.

“I want you not to take this organization for granted,” said Vrabel. “I’ve been a lot of places. This is a special place with great leadership, great fans, great direction, great coaching. Enjoy it. It’s not like this everywhere.”

“But I also want you to not take this organization for granted. I’ve been a lot of places, this is a special place with great leadership, great fans, great direction, great coaching. Enjoy it, it’s not like this everywhere.”

– Mike Vrabel pic.twitter.com/6fUooVfr00

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) January 9, 2024

Vrabel showed his immense respect toward the Patriots, whom he played for from 2001-08. Fans also noticed that he used “we” to describe the team as he urged the crowd to quiet down.

I still think about that time Vrabel went back to New England this season to be inducted into the Ring of Honor, and during his half time speech he referred to the Patriots as "we". https://t.co/0I4sfjFI4i

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 8, 2024

Mike Vrabel in October at his Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony.

"Come on, we've got a game to win. I can't be up here that long." pic.twitter.com/3uJvF9bRBg

— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) January 9, 2024

Belichick remains under contract with the Patriots next season. He has yet to acknowledge any changes looming concerning his status as head coach.

But if Belichick does move on, then Vrabel appears to be one name to look out for.

Vrabel ended his stint with the Titans with a 54-45 record. He led the team to four straight winning seasons from 2018-21, which included three postseason appearances.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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