Report: Mike Vrabel to Interview for Chargers HC Job amid Jim Harbaugh Rumors

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is interviewing Thursday for the open Los Angeles Chargers' head coaching job, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The head coaching interview marks Vrabel's first since the Titans parted ways with him on Jan. 9.

The Chargers previously confirmed on Monday that they interviewed Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh for the open position. The Bolts have also spoken with ex-Minnesota Vikings head coach and former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will speak with the Chargers on Friday, per Albert Breer of The MMQB. L.A. also spoke with ex-Stanford head coach David Shaw, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

By all accounts, it appears Harbaugh is the leader in the clubhouse. The Chargers need an offensive-minded coach who can get the best out of franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, who has flashed brilliance at times but has not performed as well as other top AFC signal-callers throughout his four-year career. The talent and ceiling are there for him to do just that, though, as he enters year five.

Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback, once guided the San Francisco 49ers to three straight NFC Championships from 2011-2013 and a Super Bowl appearance in 2012. He got the best out of Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick during his tenure there and could very well do the same in L.A.

So Vrabel could be an underdog here to get the job. Still, his track record of success can't be overlooked. In his six seasons running the Titans, Tennessee made the playoffs, three times, winning the AFC South twice (2020, 2021). The Titans also went on a great run to the AFC Championship in 2019, defeating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots before taking down NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

The end of his Titans' tenure ultimately led to his downfall, though. Tennessee lost the final seven games of the 2022 season, turning a promising 7-3 start into an ugly 7-10 finish. The Titans never got off the ground in 2023, going 6-11 and finishing last in the AFC South.

Still, it's hard seeing Vrabel not getting a second chance at some point, whether it be this year or in the near future. He has interest elsewhere in the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Chargers appear like a longshot, though, as they look to replace Brandon Staley, who was let go after two-plus seasons (24-25).