Mike Vrabel took the Patriots on an astonishing run to Super Bowl 2026 in his first season as their head coach, just a year after New England finished last in the AFC East.
Vrabel’s first head coaching job was with the Titans, where he spent five seasons before the team fired him in early 2024. In his time with the Titans, Vrabel took the team to the playoffs three times, one of which resulted in an AFC Championship game appearance.
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Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons was with Vrabel for his entire tenure in Tennessee, and watched from home this year as his former coach went to the Super Bowl. The Titans, meanwhile, had their second consecutive three-win season.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots on the sideline during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Dec.. 1, 2025, in Foxborough, MA. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Simmons was shocked – like many – and envious seeing Vrabel’s instant success.
“Um, man, I think we would all be surprised if this guy, first year in New England, they go straight to the Super Bowl. First off, I’m jealous as hell. Like, what?…I was just with you four years, and you couldn’t get me to the Super Bowl?” Simmons said on Terron Armstead’s “The Set” podcast.
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Simmons also praised Vrabel’s ability to create relationships with players off the field, calling it one of his best qualities as a coach.
“When you can build a relationship with your players off the football field and not just when you touch that football field, they going to play as hard as they can for you. That’s what Vrabel brings, bro. He just brings that type of energy and that type of, I know I’m not your dad but I’m going to do everything possible to make you feel safe with me. I’ma do everything I can do, ’cause on game day I’m going to need you,” Simmons explained.
With new head coach Robert Saleh and Cam Ward entering his second season, the Titans will hope to improve this season.
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