This NFL hiring cycle is among the most active in recent memory, and not just because of the Patriots moving on from Bill Belichick, although that complicates things for former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
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There are currently seven vacancies to be filled, with the possibility of at least two playoff teams moving on from their current head coaches if their postseason runs are cut embarrassingly short.
One of the biggest, and most accomplished names available is Mike Vrabel, who was fired by the Tennessee Titans after making three trips to the postseason but finishing below .500 each of the past two seasons. While it seemed that Vrabel's Titans teams had a perpetual ceiling over them each season, several teams searching for their next head coach already have the personnel on their rosters to break through with the 48-year-old on the sideline.
Here's a look at five teams that could make an ideal fit for hiring Vrabel.
1. Seattle Seahawks
Mike Vrabel and the Seahawks might be the ideal match of this entire hiring cycle. Seattle has built a bit of a defensive juggernaut, with young playmakers like cornerback Devon Witherspoon, ascending safety Julian Love, and the likes of Bobby Wagner, Leonard Williams and Dre'Mont Jones anchoring the front-seven. Vrabel's aggressive defensive style and offensive mindset built around a power-running game, that could easily become the foundation of Seattle's offense thanks to Kenneth Walker's presence might just be the keys to the Seahawks returning to sustained postseason success.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles' head coaching job isn't open, but depending on the outcome of Philadelphia's NFC Wild Card clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it very well might be in coming days. Vrabel to Philadelphia might be exactly what the Eagles need to fix a fractured locker room and get the most out of a roster built around dominance along both lines of scrimmage. Vrabel is a culture-driver, with a mentality that embodies the blue collar work ethic of the city of Philadelphia, and with the right offensive coordinator to get on the same page with quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles just might re-prop open their Super Bowl window in the NFC.
3. Washington Commanders
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Owner Joshua Harris and the Washington Commanders aim to make a significant splash with their head coaching hire, and have the resources to build a roster capable of competing right away. Vrabel, paired with a bright offensive mind and the No. 2 overall pick could give Washington a real chance at sustained dominance at quarterback. Meanwhile, with a league-high $86.9 million in cap space there is plenty of ammunition to fortify a defense to build a team in Vrabel's image.
4. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have some dynamic playmakers on defense, a strong leadership voice on that side of the ball in the form of All-Pro safety Jessie Bates, and some electrifying young talent on offense. Adding a head coach with Vrabel's track record for success might be exactly what Atlanta needs in order to take the next step. The NFC South might be the most winnable division in football, and the Falcons are knocking on the doorstep. Hiring Vrabel might be the move to put Atlanta over the top.
5. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys' job is yet to be vacant, but Jerry Jones hasn't exactly offered full-throated support behind Mike McCarthy as the playoffs begin. If Dallas stumbles, either against the Packers or fall in blowout fashion prior to the NFC Championship Game, don't be surprised if the Cowboys' job comes open. If Jones and the Cowboys wind up in a coaching search, it will be the most coveted job of the postseason. With a defense with All-Pro caliber players at all three levels, an ascending quarterback in Dak Prescott, this is a ready-made Super Bowl contending roster. Vrabel's temperament, postseason track record, and the pieces the Cowboys already have in place on both sides of the ball could prove a seriously potent combination.
