The matchup between the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans on October 19 will have extra meaning for the players on the Titans’ roster and new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Vrabel was named as the Titans’ head coach in 2018, leading the team to a 54-45 record and three playoff appearances in six seasons before Tennessee fired him after going 6-11 in 2023.
Revenge on New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel
Tight end Thomas Odukoya wants to get a little revenge after feeling like Vrabel looked him over during his time in Tennessee. The Dutch native played for Eastern Michigan before joining the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He spent two seasons on the practice squad under Vrabel.
In an interview with Paul Winters of Flashcore, Odukoya said he felt like he deserved an opportunity to play when Vrabel was the head coach.
“When Mike Vrabel was here, I spent two years on the practice squad and never played for him,” Odukoya said. “Not that I’m bitter about that, but in my opinion, I deserved an opportunity.”
Thomas Odukoya had an opportunity with the Tennessee Titans in 2024
© Denny Simmons/The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
Odukoya made the 53-man roster in 2024 under then-first-year head coach Brian Callahan. The six-foot-six, 253-pound athlete was given an opportunity last season, playing in two games. He played in one offensive snap and 36 special teams snaps.
Odukoya wants to defeat the Patriots in October, but credited Vravel for being an elite coach.
“I have always found Mike Vrabel to be an amazing coach, and I think he’s a good fit for the New England organisation,” Odukoya said. “But, of course, I want to win against them and have the last laugh. You never want an old coach to come back and beat you on your own turf.”
Odukoya won’t be the only Titans’ player wanting to get the better of their former head coach in the upcoming season.