Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons admitted to being "jealous as hell" after watching his former head coach, Mike Vrabel, lead the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance in his first season with the team. The Patriots achieved this success in 2026, just one year after finishing last in the AFC East.
Vrabel, who previously coached the Titans for five seasons before his dismissal in early 2024, had a notable tenure in Tennessee. During his time there, he guided the team to the playoffs three times, including an appearance in the AFC Championship game. Meanwhile, the Titans have experienced two consecutive three-win seasons.
Simmons, who played under Vrabel for his entire tenure with the Titans, shared his reaction to Vrabel's instant success in New England on Terron Armstead's podcast, "The Set." "Um, man, I think we would all be surprised if this guy, first year in New England, they go straight to the Super Bowl. First off, I’m jealous as hell. Like, what?…I was just with you four years, and you couldn’t get me to the Super Bowl?" Simmons stated.
He also highlighted Vrabel's strengths as a coach, particularly his ability to foster relationships with players off the field. "When you can build a relationship with your players off the football field and not just when you touch that football field, they going to play as hard as they can for you. That’s what Vrabel brings, bro. He just brings that type of energy and that type of, I know I’m not your dad but I’m going to do everything possible to make you feel safe with me. I’ma do everything I can do, ’cause on game day I’m going to need you," Simmons explained.
The Titans are looking to improve their performance this upcoming season under new head coach Robert Saleh, with Cam Ward entering his second year with the team.