5 coaches Arizona Cardinals could hire to replace Bruce Arians
By Joe Romano
Mike Vrabel
Defensive Coordinator, Houston Texans
Arizona, given their dearth of talent on the offensive, could opt for a more defensive minded coach. One defensive name that has popped up as a candidate is Mike Vrabel.
The former NFL linebacker has only been retired for seven years but has risen the ranks in the coaching circles. After playing 13 seasons in the NFL for Pittsburgh, New England and Kansas City he immediately made the transition to the sideline.
Ohio State, Vrabel’s alma mater hired him as a linebacker coach in 2011. He left the college for the Houston Texans as a linebacker coach in 2014 where he was in that position for two years. Prior to the 2016 season the team promoted him to defensive coordinator.
It is hard to see the Texans defense as a scary unit but no team was hit harder than Houston defensively. They lost the former defensive player of the year, J.J. Watt, to injury. The team also saw Pro Bowl edge rusher Whitney Mercilus, linebacker Brian Cushing and defensive lineman Jadaveon Clowney all miss time.
When healthy Vrabel had one of the league’s best defenses. His versatile 3-4 scheme would fit perfectly in Arizona with their dynamic positionless players.
Despite the lack of head coaching experience, Vrabel makes an excellent candidate for Arizona. A strong offensive coordinator would elevate his staff and the team quicker than most might expect.