Titans' Derrick Henry 'Shocked' over Mike Vrabel Firing: 'He Is a Great Coach' | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Daniel Foster Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry expressed shock over the dismissal of Mike Vrabel on Tuesday, saying he looks forward to the coach's next opportunity.
"Wow. Wow. I'm shocked. Coach Vrabel is a leader of men. He is a great coach and teacher. I know he will get another opportunity right away. I look forward to it," Henry told Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
The Titans fired Vrabel three days after concluding their second straight losing season. Vrabel went 54-45 in six seasons with the team.
Tennessee Titans @Titans<a href="">#Titans</a> part ways with head coach Mike Vrabel
The Titans fired Vrabel three days after concluding their second straight losing season. Vrabel went 54-45 in six seasons with the team.
Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars will likely mark the final game for both Henry and Vrabel in Tennessee. Henry is an impending free agent and thanked Titans fans on the field after the game.
"Titans fans, I want to say thank you for the greatest eight years of my life. The ups and the downs. Y'all have been there through everything," Henry said.
It's possible Vrabel and Henry could look to reunite as they explore their respective markets. Vrabel is set to be one of the most coveted names in coaching circles and has been highlighted as a potential replacement for Bill Belichick in New England. Of course, Belichick remains employed by the Patriots as of publication, but his future remains up in the air.
Henry will have to wait until the start of free agency in March to find a new home and will undoubtedly have to transition into a new role. He turned 30 earlier this month and 2,030 carries in his NFL workload. While he rushed for 1,000 yards for the fifth time in 2023, Henry will almost certainly find himself as part of a timeshare wherever he winds up next season.