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The Titans took a gamble hiring Mike Vrabel. Their decision is close to paying off

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro listened to how coach Mike Vrabel praised his performance in Tennessee’s wild-card win with the hint of a smile.

“I know how Vrabel is,” Vaccaro said. “He’s tough. He wants you to be physical, gritty, grindy, and he just likes guys that are going to hit. I was hitting people like I’ve always hit people. I appreciate the compliment because he doesn’t really give out too many.”

No, the second-year head coach doesn’t waste much time with praise.

That’s not why the Titans fired Mike Mularkey two years ago after losing in the divisional round of the playoffs, preferring to gamble on hiring a coach who could push them to compete for championships.