Everybody knows that Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has a fiery temper.
It is what has made him a great player and coach.
However, he took a page out of his former head coach Bill Belichick’s playbook with an extremely short press conference on Friday.
This press conference lasted about 90 seconds before Vrabel stormed out.
What Happened
Vrabel apparently communicated beforehand that he would not be discussing newly acquired linebacker Zach Cunningham whom the Titans claimed off waivers.
He did not feel it was appropriate as Cunningham was not playing in Week 14; Vrabel was focused on the game in front of his team against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Vrabel repeatedly was asked questions about Cunningham until he finally had enough and cut off the press conference.
The sudden end of Mike Vrabel’s press conference today. #Titans @NC5 pic.twitter.com/ZFqVpXqFpj
— Steve Layman (@SteveLayman) December 10, 2021
On his way out the door, Vrabel could be heard saying.
“This is so stupid, it’s a waste of my time, man.”
Who Is Zach Cunningham
The 27-year-old Cunningham was with the Houston Texans since 2017.
Many were shocked that he was waived especially since the Texans restructured his contract in the offseason.
With a minimal cap hit for a team who would pick him up, he was an attractive option, and the Titans jumped on the opportunity.
The Texans restructured Zach Cunningham’s contract this offseason, meaning a claiming team would inherit just a $275,000 cap hit for the rest 2021.
The 26-year old LB has no guarantees as of now for 2022, making him even more likely to find a team via waivers. https://t.co/uhEFgTV03h
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 8, 2021
Titans claimed former Texans’ LB Zach Cunningham on waivers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2021
Through 5 seasons, Cunningham started in 66 games.
His only Pick 6 came in 2018 off of Cleveland Browns’ rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield.
In fact, that is the only interception of his career.
Man, great interception of Baker Mayfield by Zach Cunningham. The read and ball skills just terrific. #Texans
— Arthur Arkush (@ArthurArkush) December 2, 2018
Cunningham also has recorded 358 solo tackles through his career.
Back To Vrabel
To be fair, Vrabel indicated he would talk about Cunningham next week in the lead up to the Titans Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cunningham is expected to make his Titans debut against the Steelers.
He was also asked repeatedly on Friday about Cunningham after expressly saying he wanted to keep the focus on questions pertaining to the Week 14 game.
Should he have stormed off as he did?
He probably should not have done that, but perhaps he wants the Titans press to get the message that he means business about the topics to be covered.
Vrabel also could have briefly addressed Cunningham because it was big news that the Titans picked him up on Thursday, and the press members would be criticized for not doing their jobs properly if they did not follow up on the hot news of the day.
Regardless, it led to a heated, uncomfortable, and awkward exchange.
This will make next week’s discussions and questions regarding Cunningham even more interesting to watch and listen to.
Titans In 2021
Perhaps Vrabel is more fired up than usual because his Titans are holding on desperately to a one-game lead in the AFC South division.
The Titans are 8-4, and the 7-6 Indianapolis Colts are breathing down their necks.
The Titans swept the Colts this season with two big wins; the most recent was an overtime victory on Halloween.
After Jacksonville and Pittsburgh, the Titans’ final three games are with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Cunningham’s former team, the Houston Texans.
NEXT: 3 Things Wrong With The Titans Right Now
