Being too handsome has never seemed to hurt someone’s job prospects, but being too intimidating is another story, even in the NFL.
Former Titans coach Mike Vrabel may have fallen victim to that during his job search this offseason, according to The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini.
During “The Athletic Football Show” Russini recalled a conversation that she had with an unnamed NFL general manager, who suggested that Vrabel’s physical build may have turned teams off.
“Did you know I had a GM at the Senior Bowl who mentioned to me Vrabel’s physical build,” Russini said. “That he’s a very large human being and can be very intimidating to people in an organization that are going to be part of these decisions. That is a factor.”
The NFL insider said she had laughed at the notion when the football executive offered it up to her.
But he insisted that it was something that came up within organizations.
“He said, ‘I’m just telling you I’ve been in rooms and somebody’s physical presence can make a difference,’” Russini continued. “And if you think about it makes sense. Outside of football, it has an effect.”
Pro Football Focus listed Vrabel as 6-foot-4, 261 pounds when he played in the NFL.
Vrabel, 48, played 14 seasons in the NFL for a number of teams, including New England, Pittsburgh and Kansas City.
Vrabel spent the past six seasons as the Titans head coach with a record of 54-45.
The Titans made three playoff appearances, which included a trip to the AFC title game, and Vrabel was named coach of the year in 2021.
It was expected that Vrabel would land a coaching job with one of the teams looking for a new coach and some had speculated that his connection to the Patriots would make him a fit to take over for Bill Belichick.