NFL Rumors: Mike Vrabel Linked to Cowboys, Raiders; Seen as 'Prime' HC Candidate

One year after being fired by the Tennessee Titans, Mike Vrabel seems poised to make a return to the NFL head-coaching ranks in 2025.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Vrabel is seen as a "prime" coaching candidate in the upcoming hiring cycle with the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders considered as potential landing spots if they make a change.

The Cowboys' job seemed likely to become available given how much the team has struggled this season, but owner Jerry Jones has kept the door open for Mike McCarthy to return.

"Quality of character, quality of football character, he's steady as a rock…" Jones recently said on 105.3 The Fan (h/t DallasCowboys.com). "He's genuine, he's no BS with these players, and I've never thought for one second that the team had quit recognizing what an outstanding coach he is."

It probably doesn't hurt McCarthy's standing that Dak Prescott recently told Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports he believes in his coach "wholeheartedly" and "definitely deserves a chance" to get a new deal from the Cowboys.

McCarthy is in the final season of his current contract, so the Cowboys could just let his deal expire and hire someone else if they want to go in a different direction.

The Raiders are in an interesting position because they have added new members to their ownership group recently, including former NFL stars Tom Brady and Richard Seymour. It's possible those new voices want to see the organization go in a different direction.

Antonio Pierce hasn't exactly covered himself in glory in his first season as the full-time head coach. His in-game management and situational awareness have been called into question multiple times.

Not all of the Raiders' problems are because of Pierce. This was a deeply-flawed roster with no clear answer at quarterback coming into the season, and that has played out as their 2-11 record is tied with the New York Giants for the worst in the NFL.

Vrabel is currently working as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns. The 49-year-old went 54-45 in six seasons as Titans head coach from 2018 to '23. He made the playoffs in three consecutive years from 2019 to '21, with an appearance in the AFC Championship Game during the 2019 season.