Cleveland is letting Mike Vrabel leave early so he can start interviewing for a potential head coach position.
The Cleveland Browns may not always get it right on the field, but they do have a knack for doing right by their coaches.
Earlier this year the Browns allowed offensive line coach Bill Callahan to leave and join the staff of his son, Brian Callahan, with the Tennessee Titans after Brian took over as head coach.
On Monday, the news came out that the Browns are allowing Mike Vrabel out of his contract early so that he can focus on preparing for any upcoming interviews with teams in search of their next head coach.
Mike Vrabel’s consulting agreement with the Cleveland Browns expired today, per league source. pic.twitter.com/IUjVVZRZiV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2024
The Browns hired Vrabel in the offseason to serve as a coaching and personnel consultant after he was let go by the Titans and could not find a head coaching position.
In Cleveland, Vrabel endeared himself to the fanbase during training camp for racing quarterback Jameis Winston and his willingness to dive into blocking drills during practices.
According to the team’s website, one of his first assignments was evaluating potential draft picks during the club’s preparations for the 2024 NFL Draft, the final one without a first-round selection thanks to the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
#Browns Mike Vrabel gettin’ after it with the o-linemen: pic.twitter.com/zatylD3eHI
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 14, 2024
During the season Vrabel worked with the tight ends, offensive line, and special teams, while also helping head coach Kevin Stefanski on game days over the last six games and with the player development coaching program.
With just one more game remaining in the regular season, the annual coach cycle will kick into high gear next week and Vrabel is considered to be one of the “hot” candidates. The New York Jets and New Orleans Saints, both currently operating with interim head coaches, are reportedly targeting Vrabel, according to The Athletic, and additional opportunities may arise depending on what the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and New England Patriots decide to do.
In six seasons as head coach with the Titans, Vrabel posted a record of 54-45, which included three playoff trips out of the AFC South and two playoff wins, both in 2019.