Did Stefanski ever fear about dropping job to Vrabel?
Nearly instantly after the Cleveland Browns employed former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to function a marketing consultant in March 2024, some questioned if Browns proprietor Jimmy Haslam considered Vrabel as a future alternative for Kevin Stefanski.
Vrabel has now guided the New England Patriots to a 5-2 begin in his first season as head coach. On Monday, Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand requested Stefanski if he ever felt uncomfortable or threatened by Vrabel’s presence final 12 months.
Kevin Stefanski trusted Mike Vrabel regardless of job-security whispers
“Vrabes is an effective good friend,” Stefanski responded. “Needed him across the constructing as a lot as we may get him final 12 months. He was excited to get again to work. However, yeah, I believe … it’s simply the friendship there, and someone I belief.”
Stefanski, a two-time Related Press NFL Coach of the 12 months Award winner, was answerable for a Browns aspect that was coming off a playoff look when Vrabel started his stint with the AFC North membership. Since then, nevertheless, Cleveland has gone 5-19 below Stefanski’s watch. Some across the league thought he went into Sunday’s residence sport in opposition to the lowly Miami Dolphins at risk of dropping his job, however Cleveland then earned a 31-6 win to enhance to 2-5.
Mike Vrabel opens up about his Browns tenure
There isn’t any indication Vrabel had any curiosity in changing into Cleveland’s head coach earlier than accepting the Patriots gig. A January report revealed that the Las Vegas Raiders “by no means requested an interview” with Vrabel after the 2024 common season wrapped up as a result of he allegedly informed them he supposed to simply accept the New England job.
On Monday, Vrabel informed reporters he “loved working with” Stefanski and the remainder of the Cleveland teaching workers in 2024.
“I used to be attempting to assist the gamers,” Vrabel stated about his function with the Browns, per Myles Simmons of Professional Soccer Speak. “I used to be attempting to assist the younger coaches. …I attempted to assist with participant improvement. However they’ve an incredible group so far as the construction and every part. However I attempted to be concerned with the younger coaches and with the younger gamers, and assist them in follow and assist them develop.”
Vrabel’s Patriots will enter Sunday’s showdown at Gillette Stadium on a four-game profitable streak. As of Tuesday morning, ESPN BET had New England as a 7.5-point residence favourite over Cleveland.
