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Mike Vrabel's Patriots reunion during Titans' bye week among reasons for firing: report

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Mike Vrabel's Patriots reunion during Titans' bye week among reasons for firing: report

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Mike Vrabel’s surprise firing by the Tennessee Titans has many questioning what went into the decision by owner Amy Adams Strunk. 

One factor was apparently Vrabel’s visit to Foxborough during the Titans’ bye week for the New England Patriots-Buffalo Bills game, which didn’t sit well with Strunk. 

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It “raised some eyebrows” within the organization, according to The Athletic.

Vrabel was on hand at Gillette Stadium because the Patriots were inducting him into their Hall of Fame. Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots as a linebacker over eight seasons with the team, praised the organization during his speech at halftime. 

Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium Dec. 24, 2023, in Nashville. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

“I don’t want you to take this organization for granted,” Vrabel said during his halftime speech. “I’ve been a lot of places. This is a special place with great leadership, great fans, great direction and great coaching. Enjoy it. It’s not like this everywhere.”

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Reporters asked Vrabel if his comment that “it’s not like this everywhere” was directed at the Titans. 

“(The Patriots) have won six Super Bowls in 20 years. That’s what I was alluding to,” he responded. “I don’t know what to tell you. It’s just a lot of success.”

FROM OUTKICK: HANDICAPPING ‘THE HOODIE’: WHAT DOES BILL BELICHICK DO NEXT?

Strunk reportedly “let it fester” after never approaching Vrabel about the Patriots’ reunion. 

Now, there’s a good chance Vrabel is in the running to take over as Patriots head coach. Bill Belichick’s 24-year reign with the organization came to an end Thursday as he mutually parted ways with the team.

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NFL Network previously reported that Strunk’s decision to move on from Vrabel had something to do with the Patriots’ reunion, but she wasn’t “dispelling rumors in house that he was going to be the Patriots coach.”

Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium Dec. 11, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Those rumors have been swirling around the Titans and Patriots since the latter began to struggle, putting Belichick’s future into question.

The Athletic added that “poor communication, misinterpreted statements and misunderstandings” led to Vrabel’s firing. 

“High-level Titans sources told The Athletic in November that the team’s long-term plan was to retain Vrabel as coach,” the publication reported.

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Vrabel is now one of the top coaching candidates for any number of job openings, though many are calling him the frontrunner to become Belichick’s successor in New England. 

Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans meets with owner Amy Adams Strunk before a game against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum Dec. 8, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Vrabel went 54-45 during the regular season in six years as Titans head coach, and he has two wins in five playoff games. 

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Jerry Jones opens up on Cowboys’ shortcomings during 2025 season

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Jerry Jones opens up on Cowboys’ shortcomings during 2025 season

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The Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought increased to 30 years as the team was eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday and then lost to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Cowboys showed tremendous heart during the season after the defense was gutted when star pass rusher Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers. Dallas picked up big wins over the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, as well as a tie with the Packers.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 14, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

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Ultimately, the Cowboys lost their last three games and found themselves on the outside looking in on the playoffs once more. Dallas dropped to 6-8-1 after the loss to Los Angeles, and team owner Jerry Jones opened up about some of the team’s shortcomings.

“I really am better when I’m getting my a– kicked than I am when I’m having success,” he said, via The Athletic. “I’ve seen some of the decisions I’ve made work.

“We get one team that gets to go to that Super Bowl every year. Two that get to go to those (conference championship) playoff games. I’m looking forward next year to getting back in that championship game and maybe beyond. And then I’ll be right at the top of the list of how long it’s been since you’ve been to one. And that’s how you do it. Right at the top. And this will all go away.”

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) prepares to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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Jones did take away some positivity from the 2025 season. He acknowledged the team “underachieved” but there were some things that the team could carry forward into 2026.

Particularly, Jones said he was impressed with how Dak Prescott played during the year.

Prescott has 4,175 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes this season. He’s leading the NFL in completions (378) and passing attempts (552). Both George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the season.

“I am pleased with what we have in Dak, very pleased going forward,” he said, via the team’s website. “Nothing we’ve done so far this season gives me anything but optimism about going forward at one of the key, if not the key position.”

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Dallas has the Washington Commanders and the New York Giants left on its schedule.

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Palisades starts out as City Section basketball favorite in top 10 rankings

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Palisades starts out as City Section basketball favorite in top 10 rankings

It’s time to take a look at the City Section’s top boys’ basketball teams a little more than a month into the season:

1. PALISADES (2-4): The Popoola twins, EJ and OJ, combined with freshman Phillip Reed, make the Dolphins the City Section Open Division title favorites.

2. WASHINGTON PREP (6-4): Jayshawn Kibble is a candidate for City player of the year.

3. CLEVELAND (5-4): Sophomore guard Charlie Adams becomes eligible Friday.

4. GRANADA HILLS (6-3): Help coming when sit-out transfer period ends Friday.

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5. SAN PEDRO (7-3): Lots of varsity experience could result in Marine League title.

6. VENICE (5-8): Win over Fairfax, one-point loss to San Pedro.

7. BIRMINGHAM (4-2): Patriots like being under the radar.

8. TAFT (5-4): Turnaround showing progress ahead of schedule.

9. FAIRFAX (5-2): Young players making progress.

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10. EL CAMINO REAL (7-5): One-point loss to Chaminade offers hope.

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Broncos’ Pat Bryant placed on backboard, carted off field after scary hit in loss to Jaguars

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Broncos’ Pat Bryant placed on backboard, carted off field after scary hit in loss to Jaguars

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant was carted off the field in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars after a vicious hit that was scary to look at.

Bryant was attempting to make a catch with just seconds left at Empower Field when Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown came flying in and crashed into him to break it up.

One could hear how hard Bryant was hit with the broadcast picking up the cracking of helmet and pads as he went to the turf.

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Pat Bryant of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field At Mile High on Dec. 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Bryant stayed down on the field after the play, and he wasn’t moving much as Broncos trainers came running out to look at him on the turf.

After several minutes of evaluation, Bryant was loaded onto a stretcher and carted off the field. There was obvious concern throughout the stadium for Bryant, and it was later reported that he was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

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Broncos head coach Sean Payton, speaking after his first loss in 12 games, gave an update on Bryant, saying that he “had movement” in his extremities, and it was “encouraging” to see, per 9News’ Mike Klis.

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Of course, any time a player is loaded onto a stretcher, thoughts of the worst immediately enter the mind. Luckily, Bryant’s hospital visit was only to ensure everything was fine.

Pat Bryant of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field At Mile High on Dec. 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Broncos moved to 12-3 after the loss at home, a 34-20 defeat at the hands of a red-hot Jaguars squad who have now won six straight games.

At 11-4, the Jaguars remain one win above the Houston Texans for the AFC South lead, though they are likely headed to the playoffs one way or another.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have already clinched their shot at a Vince Lombardi Trophy, having won 12 games this season for the best record in the AFC to date. Only the New England Patriots could reach 12 wins this week if they defeat the Baltimore Ravens on “Sunday Night Football.”

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Bryant finished the game with five catches for 42 yards. He has totaled 27 catches for 347 yards and a touchdown this season in a loaded Broncos receiving room.

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