NFL Rumors: Arthur Smith Expected to Be Mike Vrabel’s OC When Ex-Titans HC Lands Job

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If former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel lands another head coaching gig this winter, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is expected to follow him to his next destination.

Should Vrabel secure one of the league’s three remaining head coaching jobs, Smith is expected to serve as his offensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Vrabel was fired as head coach of the Titans following a 6-11 finish to the 2023 campaign, which was the franchise’s second straight losing season.

The former NFL linebacker led the Titans to a 54-45 record and three playoff appearances in his six seasons at the helm. He’s now a top head coaching candidate this winter, though only three openings remain—the Washington Commanders, Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons.

Vrabel has already interviewed with the Falcons. It’s unclear if he will meet with the Commanders or Seahawks.

Smith, meanwhile, was fired as head coach of the Falcons following a 7-10 finish to the 2023 season. It was the team’s third straight 7-10 finish under Smith, who went 21-30 in his three seasons at the helm.

Before serving as head coach of the Falcons, Smith spent 10 seasons with the Titans in a variety of roles. When Vrabel took over as head coach in 2018, he was the team’s tight ends coach.

Smith was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019 and served in the role through the 2020 campaign. Tennessee went 20-12 in that span and made the playoffs in each of those seasons.

Given the success Vrabel and Smith had together during their time in Tennessee, they could prove to be a solid duo again in 2024 and beyond.