Mike Vrabel Will Leave Kansas City for a Coaching Job: Who Replaces Him?

Mike Vrabel will have a football season this year, but not as a player. Vrabel will be an assistant coach for the Ohio State football program.

Before I move on, I want to congratulate Vrabel on a phenomenal career. His stint as a Chief was not memorable. However, I’m sure players learned from him. His ability to help his younger teammates is the reason why he was offered a coaching job as an assistant.

Vrabel has been a part of a New England Patriots team that won three Super Bowls and became the first team in league history to go undefeated in a 16-game schedule.

His surprising moments came when he caught 12 offensive touchdowns throughout his career.

Vrabel’s leadership skills were a key asset that he brought to Kansas City from New England. Chiefs fans should appreciate him that.

With Vrabel no longer on the roster, the door has opened for another player. One player will have the opportunity of a lifetime that many dream of. Who will start at outside linebacker opposite of Tamba Hali when football resumes?

Andy Studebaker

Andy Studebaker shined in 2009 when he played a big role in helping the Chiefs stun the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his first NFL start, Studebaker picked off Ben Roethlisberger twice as the Chiefs earned 10 points off of his two takeaways. He started again the following week against San Diego.

However, Studebaker has not started a game since then and has played a bigger role on special teams. But he did earn himself a contract extension early during the 2010 season. After the Chiefs picked up a win in Week 1 over the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football, the Chiefs granted Studebaker a contract extension through 2013.

There is not a whole lot that can be said about Studebaker’s defensive abilities. He hasn't been given many chances to show himself on on defense. Can he manipulate the success he had against the Steelers in other games?

Justin Houston


During the 2011 NFL Draft, the Chiefs drafted their first defensive player in the third round and decided to take Justin Houston. It was a surprise to many that Houston fell to the third round, even though he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine.

Houston has a lot in common with Hali. Houston began his collegiate career as a defensive end and then made the switch to outside linebacker in 2010 when the Georgia Bulldogs decided to run a 3-4 defensive scheme. As a linebacker, his tackle and sack total rose. If Houston and Hali apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, it’s likely the Chiefs defensive backs earn more takeaways.

Charlie Anderson

This name is not very well known by Chiefs fans. That is because Charlie Anderson only appeared in two games for the Chiefs last season. So why would his name be on this list?

You never know. Anderson might do something in training camp or in practice that could impress Todd Haley. It’s doubtful that Anderson gets selected. But don’t count him out either.

Cameron Sheffield

Remember Cameron Sheffield? He suffered a big injury in the preseason last year which forced him to miss his rookie campaign.

Sheffield is looking for redemption and is hoping that the injury he suffered will not set him back. He could earn the job as the starter on opening week if the Chiefs feel no one else is ready.

Who Will It Be?

The Chiefs will have someone young replacing Vrabel. This player may have little to no experience playing outside linebacker.

Who will that player be? Will they be able to pick up on the game speed and make an impact on defense?

Let’s get that lockout lifted so we can find out and search for that new outside linebacker!