The inevitable happened on Thursday night: Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was named the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year.
While there were no doubt some good coaches up for the award, none were better than Vrabel, who ended up receiving 36 of a possible 50 votes. Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur finished second with eight.
The Titans head coach led the team to a 12-5 record, a second straight AFC South title, and the No. 1 seed in the conference despite fielding an NFL record 91 players because of countless injuries.
Included in those injuries was Tennessee’s best player, Derrick Henry, who was lost for the rest of the regular season after Week 8. The Titans went an impressive 6-3 without The King when everyone expected them to fold.
Here’s what Vrabel had to say in his acceptance speech, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“It is an honor and a privilege to play and coach in this league,” Vrabel said. “And having coached in the Pro Bowl (last week), I know our game is in good hands. My job and every coach’s job is to teach, develop and to make a connection, and to make an impact.
“I want to thank our owner, Amy Adams Strunk, and I want to thank my family. I want to thank my wife Jen, I want to thank my sons Tyler and Carter,” Vrabel continued. “I want to thank my best friend – I want to thank (John Streicher) ‘Stretch’ (the team’s Coordinator of Football Development). This is a reflection of our 91 players that helped us win 12 games, and our coaching staff. Thank you, and this is a pleasure.”
Upon winning the award, Vrabel becomes the first coach in franchise history to take home the honor. The Titans recently awarded Vrabel with a contract extension, along with general manager Jon Robinson.
Now, let’s take a look at how Twitter reacted to Vrabel winning the award. The reaction includes some salty ones from those who believe LaFleur should have won the award over Vrabel.