USAT: Titans Wire audio clip

USAT: Titans Wire

Feb 11, 2022

The inevitable happened on Thursday night: Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was named the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year. - While there were no doubt some good coaches up for the award, none were better than Vrabel, who ended up receiving 36 of a possible 50 votes. Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur finished second with eight. - The Titans head coach led the team to a 12-5 record, a second straight AFC South title, and the No. 1 seed in the conference despite fielding an NFL record 91 players because of countless injuries. - Included in those injuries was Tennessee’s best player, Derrick Henry, who was lost for the rest of the regular season after Week 8. The Titans went an impressive 6-3 without The King when everyone expected them to fold. - Here’s what Vrabel had to say in his acceptance speech, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. - - “It is an honor and a privilege to play and coach in this league,” Vrabel said. “And having coached in the Pro Bowl (last week), I know our game is in good hands. My job and every coach’s job is to teach, develop and to make a connection, and to make an impact. - - - “I want to thank our owner, Amy Adams Strunk, and I want to thank my family. I want to thank my wife Jen, I want to thank my sons Tyler and Carter,” Vrabel continued. “I want to thank my best friend – I want to thank (John Streicher) ‘Stretch’ (the team’s Coordinator of Football Development). This is a reflection of our 91 players that helped us win 12 games, and our coaching staff. Thank you, and this is a pleasure.” - - Upon winning the award, Vrabel becomes the first coach in franchise history to take home the honor. The Titans recently awarded Vrabel with a contract extension, along with general manager Jon Robinson. - Now, let’s take a look at how Twitter reacted to Vrabel winning the award. The reaction includes some salty ones from those who believe LaFleur should have won the award over Vrabel.

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