It seems increasingly probable that Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel may find themselves without coaching positions in the NFL’s version of musical chairs during this offseason.
As per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seattle Seahawks are poised to bring in Baltimore Ravens head coach Mike Macdonald, leaving the Washington Commanders as the lone team without a coach.
Initially eyeing Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Commanders faced a setback when he withdrew from consideration. Schefter, in a report on Washington’s coaching search last Saturday, excluded Belichick and Vrabel as current contenders.
With a .545 winning percentage in six years with the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel and Belichick, one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, could potentially be without coaching roles for the 2024 season.
On The Rich Eisen Show, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggested that the Commanders should reconsider Belichick as a candidate. Florio had previously reported owner Josh Harris’ interest in Belichick, but recent reports have distanced Washington from the 71-year-old coach.
If Belichick does not return this season, two scenarios emerge. The Dallas Cowboys might pursue him in 2025 if they fall short of a Super Bowl appearance with Mike McCarthy. Alternatively, Belichick may have coached his last NFL game, given the lack of apparent interest despite his impressive career and eight Super Bowl rings.
On the other hand, a one-year break might not adversely affect Vrabel’s coaching prospects. He could be considering opportunities with teams where the head coach is on the hot seat in 2024, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears standing out as both have coaches under scrutiny.
The Eagles, recent NFC champions, with promising quarterback Jalen Hurts, present an attractive option for a potential replacement coach. Meanwhile, the Bears, led by USC star Caleb Williams, could offer a fresh start. Vrabel might prefer a situation where he is hired alongside the general manager for a strong connection.
Another option for the 48-year-old Vrabel could be a return to his alma mater, Ohio State, if Ryan Day were to be fired. The allure of financial incentives and fan support makes it an appealing option, but the question remains whether Vrabel is prepared for the year-round commitment of coaching at such a prominent program.
