Like most NFL starting players, Mike Vrabel won’t perform his usual role to begin the preseason.
The Tennessee Titans head coach passed the baton to defensive line coach Terrell Williams, who will serve as the acting head coach for Saturday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Vrabel will still be on the sideline at Solider Field, but he wanted Williams to receive some experience in his position.
“We’ll go into the game with things we want to make sure get done, and I’m sure he’ll try to do that,” Vrabel told reporters Monday, per The Tennessean‘s Nick Suss. “I’ll help him where need be. But I do think it’ll be a great opportunity. Well deserved.”
Mike Vrabel announces that assistant HC and DL coach Terrell Williams will serve as Titans’ HC vs Bears on Saturday. Vrabel will be assisting. Great exposure for Williams down the road for potential HC candidacy: pic.twitter.com/lQXfDXEL7J
— Teresa Walker 👑 (@TeresaMWalker) August 7, 2023
Williams is beginning his sixth season for Tennessee with a promotion to assistant head coach. While last season marked the first time the Titans posted a losing record during his tenure, he led a defensive line that ceded an NFL-low 76.9 rushing yards per game.
He began his coaching career at the college level in 1998 before spending three seasons with the Raiders and three with the Miami Dolphins.
“I wanted to be able to plan this out and give (Williams) ample time to prepare for those meetings and his message,” Vrabel said. “And the direction he wants to take it.”
Teams use preseason games to audition players competing for more opportunities, so perhaps other organizations will implement Vrabel’s idea on the coaching side.