Fired & Rehired

Mike Vrabel, former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, is a leading contender for the Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching position. Speculation surrounds his potential choice for offensive coordinator, with reports suggesting an intriguing possibility – Arthur Smith, recently terminated as the Falcons’ head coach, could return to the team in this capacity.

During Vrabel’s tenure with the Titans, which lasted from 2018 until the conclusion of the most recent season, he achieved notable success, including guiding the team to the AFC Conference Championship in 2020. This achievement propelled his then-offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, into the head coaching ranks, a familiar name for Falcons fans given his recent departure from Atlanta.

Rumors have surfaced indicating Vrabel’s desire to rehire Smith as his offensive coordinator, particularly as Vrabel interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching position in Atlanta on Wednesday, presumably presenting himself as a suitable candidate for the role. However, it remains uncertain whether Smith will indeed return to the Falcons in this capacity.

History suggests that head coaches rarely remain with the same team in a diminished coaching role after being fired. While there have been instances of coaches resuming coaching positions after a hiatus, such as Dave Campo transitioning from head coach to a secondary coach with the Dallas Cowboys after a six-year gap, it’s unclear if Vrabel is committed to bringing Smith back onto his staff.

Criticism surrounded Smith’s coaching decisions during his tenure with the Falcons, particularly regarding the utilization of key offensive players like Kyle Pitts and Drake London. Vrabel’s reported interest in rehiring Smith may demonstrate loyalty, but it raises questions about the wisdom of such a decision.

Ultimately, while Vrabel’s potential interest in hiring Smith reflects loyalty, whether this translates into a wise coaching decision remains uncertain.