When the Browns signed Mike Vrabel as a consultant, no one thought it was a big deal. Cleveland has had a recent history of signing former coaches as consultants. Last year they signed former defensive line coach Jim Washburn as a defensive consultant. What shocked people was Vrabel went unhired during the off-season. He had spent the last six years as head coach of the Tennessee Titans and compiled a 54-45 record. From 2019 to 2021, the Titans 32-17, making the playoffs all three years finishing first in the AFC South in both 2020 and 2021. He played linebacker at The Ohio State, was drafted by the Steelers in 1997 and signed with the Patriots as a free agent in 2001 where he excelled. After his playing career ended, he was the linebacker and defensive line coach at Ohio State. In 2014 he was hired by the Houston Texans as their linebackers coach and three years later was promoted to defensive coordinator. In 2018 he was hired as the head coach of the Titans. If not for front office turmoil in Tennessee, he still might be their head coach.

Vrabel interviewed for several coaching vacancies, both as head coach and coordinator, but went unhired. Instead of sitting out 2024 and waiting for the next hiring cycle, he decided to become a coaching and personnel consultant for the Browns, which at first no one knew that position existed. The friendship between Vrabel, GM Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski was first hinted on an episode of the team’s program “Unleashed.” During the NFL Combine episode, Vrabel is seen in the team suite. What really caught the local media’s attention is Vrabel’s hands-on coaching style during practices, when he’ll engage players while setting up in a linebacker position. He’s also been helping with the special teams, coaching the new NFL kickoff procedure.

During his media availability this week, Vrabel talked about how he grew up a Browns fan and his respect for the organization. While his role appears to be undefined, he said, “It’s been great to get back on the field and help,” Vrabel said. “Wherever I can help, I’m more than willing to do that.” One thing we do know, thanks to an answer by Andrew Berry, Vrabel has been helping the offense by sitting in on team meetings. “Vrabs in awesome,” Berry told reporters. “We are lucky because I think, and you all probably see it, we’re probably on borrowed time with him, but we’re going to maximize it as much as possible. I think he has such a unique perspective because here’s a former All-Pro player, coached in Power Five college, defensive coordinator and then very, very successful head coach in Tennessee. So there’s nothing that he hasn’t seen or that he can’t provide insight into whether it’s how we’re practicing on the field, how we game plan, player development and player support areas, how we think about acquiring players, whether it’s in the draft or free agency. So, we are certainly getting our money’s worth with Mike, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him here with us.”

One aspect that hasn’t been discussed is his value in game planning during the week, especially during Steelers week. New Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was Vrabel’s OC for the Titans during the 2019 and 2020 season. Smith parlayed his success into a head coaching job in Atlanta. Mike Vrabel has seen just about every offense in the league, but he knows Smith and his offense the best. That makes him a valuable x-factor when preparing for the Browns biggest rival. This may have been the best off-season the Browns made this year.