Titans’ Jeffery Simmons Expresses Jealousy Over Vrabel’s Success with Patriots

Mike Vrabel, former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, reached the playoffs three times but never advanced to the Super Bowl. The furthest he took the Titans was to the AFC Championship Game in 2019, where they lost 35-24 to the Kansas City Chiefs on the road.

Vrabel found immediate success in his first season with the New England Patriots, leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance. However, the Patriots lost 29-13 that February.

During an appearance on Terron Armstead’s “The Set,” Titans All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons admitted feeling envious of Vrabel’s success in New England. “Was I surprised?” Simmons said, as transcribed by NFL Media. “Man, I think we all would 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?”

While Vrabel’s Titans had a strong defense, the Patriots benefited from an MVP-caliber quarterback, Drake Maye, leading their offense.

After Vrabel’s departure, the Titans have struggled, recording back-to-back 3-14 seasons. Tennessee now looks to new head coach Robert Saleh for a turnaround.

Offseason discussions have raised questions about Vrabel’s leadership ability, particularly his relationships within the locker room amid off-field issues. Simmons defended Vrabel’s capacity to build strong bonds with his players. “One of the things when you build that relationship off the football field and I think that’s the biggest thing with Vrabel,” said Simmons. “And I can feel this, it’s the same with Saleh.”

Simmons emphasized the importance of relationships built off the field, suggesting that such bonds motivate players. “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,” Simmons said. “That’s what Vrabel brings, bro.” Vrabel hopes to continue fostering such connections during the summer’s training camp following a challenging spring.