Posted on Oct 13

Vrabel on returning to Titans: "It will be nice to see some people."

Posted Oct 13, 2025

Mike Vrabel returns to Tennessee as head coach of the New England Patriots, facing his former team, the Titans, in a highly anticipated matchup.

Why it matters: This game marks a significant moment for Vrabel, who spent five successful seasons leading the Titans before being let go after a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2023. His return signifies both personal and professional stakes as he seeks to solidify the Patriots’ current three-game winning streak.

Under Vrabel's leadership, the Titans secured two division titles and made multiple playoff appearances, including a run to the AFC Championship Game in the 2019 season.
The Patriots have found renewed momentum under Vrabel, demonstrating an ability to adapt and thrive following a rocky start to the season.

What’s new: The Patriots are coming off a recent victory against the Saints, having won their last three games, which has revitalized their season and shifted the focus toward playoff aspirations.

Quarterback Drake Maye is emerging as a crucial asset, having recorded remarkable passing statistics that place him among NFL greats like Patrick Mahomes and Dan Marino.
Maye's impressive performance as a rookie adds an exciting dynamic to the Patriots' offense, making them a formidable opponent for the Titans.

Yes, but: While Vrabel expresses enthusiasm about returning to face familiar faces, he emphasizes the need for relentless preparation and focus on the task at hand.

"It will be nice to see some people that I haven't seen in a few years... But we've got a huge job to do here as we prepare for them," he remarked, highlighting the balance between nostalgia and responsibility.
Garrett Bradbury, a key player for the Patriots, echoed this sentiment by stressing that focusing too much on the past can detract from current performance: "It doesn't matter what you did yesterday; you have to have a good today."

What to watch: This game presents a unique opportunity to assess how Vrabel’s strategic approach, honed during his time in Tennessee, translates into success with the Patriots.

The Titans will likely employ a defensive scheme that capitalizes on their familiarity with Vrabel's tactics, aiming to disrupt the rhythm of the Patriots' offense.
Conversely, the Patriots may leverage their evolving offensive strategy, particularly through Maye's skill set, to exploit any weaknesses in the Titans’ defense.

The bottom line: As two teams battle for playoff positioning, all eyes will be on Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee, where he aims to prove his mettle as a newly minted head coach while navigating the complexities of facing his former team.

With the dynamics of coaching changes, player developments, and historical ties at play, this matchup holds significant implications not just for the current season, but also for the future trajectories of both franchises.

Vrabel on returning to Titans: "It will be nice to see some people."

Alex Parker

Posted Oct 13, 2025

Mike Vrabel returns to Tennessee as head coach of the New England Patriots, facing his former team, the Titans, in a highly anticipated matchup.

Under Vrabel's leadership, the Titans secured two division titles and made multiple playoff appearances, including a run to the AFC Championship Game in the 2019 season.

The Patriots have found renewed momentum under Vrabel, demonstrating an ability to adapt and thrive following a rocky start to the season.

Quarterback Drake Maye is emerging as a crucial asset, having recorded remarkable passing statistics that place him among NFL greats like Patrick Mahomes and Dan Marino.

Maye's impressive performance as a rookie adds an exciting dynamic to the Patriots' offense, making them a formidable opponent for the Titans.

Yes, but: While Vrabel expresses enthusiasm about returning to face familiar faces, he emphasizes the need for relentless preparation and focus on the task at hand.

"It will be nice to see some people that I haven't seen in a few years... But we've got a huge job to do here as we prepare for them," he remarked, highlighting the balance between nostalgia and responsibility.

Garrett Bradbury, a key player for the Patriots, echoed this sentiment by stressing that focusing too much on the past can detract from current performance: "It doesn't matter what you did yesterday; you have to have a good today."

What to watch: This game presents a unique opportunity to assess how Vrabel’s strategic approach, honed during his time in Tennessee, translates into success with the Patriots.

The Titans will likely employ a defensive scheme that capitalizes on their familiarity with Vrabel's tactics, aiming to disrupt the rhythm of the Patriots' offense.

Conversely, the Patriots may leverage their evolving offensive strategy, particularly through Maye's skill set, to exploit any weaknesses in the Titans’ defense.

With the dynamics of coaching changes, player developments, and historical ties at play, this matchup holds significant implications not just for the current season, but also for the future trajectories of both franchises.