The ex-NFL head coach might make a transition back to the collegiate level.
Luke Fickell has confirmed that former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel could potentially join his staff at Wisconsin in some capacity next season. Fickell, who has a longstanding friendship with Vrabel dating back to their time rooming together at Ohio State, revealed that they had discussed the possibility. Despite Vrabel’s impressive track record, including three Super Bowl wins and being named the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year, he was not able to secure another NFL head coaching position after his departure from the Titans in January, where he amassed a 54-45 record over six years.
“I talked to him, I think, on Saturday, and we hadn’t communicated for probably a week or so just because the process was going,” Fickell stated during an interview with ESPN Wisconsin’s Wilde & Tausch on Wednesday. “He sounded like a new man. And I’m not sure exactly if this was his choice or what the future looks like, but I know that we’re going to have a visitor here that’s going to spend a little bit of time, hopefully around us. Starting, coming up in the spring and some things like that, see how deep we can get involved with my buddy and get him around here.”
Vrabel notably guided the Titans to the playoffs for three consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021 and came within one win of reaching the Super Bowl in 2019.
“Today, I had a conversation with Mike Vrabel where I informed him of my decision to change our head coach,” stated Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk in a released statement. “As I conveyed to Coach Vrabel, this decision was exceptionally difficult, ranking among the toughest I’ve faced as controlling owner. I deeply appreciate Mike’s contributions to the Tennessee Titans, both on and off the field. Those who have had the pleasure of meeting him understand his genuine passion, and he has been a steadfast supporter of the Nashville community. We extend our best wishes to Mike, Jen, and the entire Vrabel family in their future endeavors.”
Fickell’s inaugural season at Wisconsin didn’t unfold as anticipated. He had not anticipated a struggle for bowl eligibility with the Badgers in his first year. Nevertheless, Wisconsin managed to secure seven wins, narrowly clinching victories in late November against Nebraska and Minnesota.
One of the primary challenges stemmed from inconsistent offensive performances, particularly under first-year play-caller Phil Longo. Despite starting the season ranked inside the top 20, Wisconsin encountered offensive struggles, scoring 14 points or fewer in four games during a challenging 1-4 stretch in Big Ten play.
The potential inclusion of Vrabel in an assistant coaching or analyst capacity could prove beneficial for Wisconsin as they navigate the expanded and notably more competitive Big Ten conference in the upcoming 2024 campaign.
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