The NFL sent a stern message this week by handing out three of the largest head coaching fines in league history. Mike Vrabel, Nick Sirianni and Aaron Glenn have all been hit with a $250,000 fine, according to Sports Illustrated. Each coach was punished for their conduct toward game officials in recent weeks.
Coaches are allowed to yell at game officials if they don't like a call, but the NFL doesn't want to create a hostile environment where coaches feel comfortable berating officials. Things have gotten testy this year between players, coaches and officials, and the NFL clearly wants to cut down on that. Following Week 4, two different game officials were suspended for unprofessional conduct toward players.
Speaking of Week 4, Vrabel was actually hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that week for using profanity against an official after he didn't agree with a flag that was thrown on the play. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was hit with an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.The Bills tied the game a few plays later. pic.twitter.com/6JsrQWfAeA "I told them that it was a terrible — I'm not going to say — effing call," Vrabel said after New England's 29-26 win over Buffalo, via The Athletic. "I've said that 87 times since I've been a head coach.
There was nothing derogatory. You know, you'd have to ask (the referee). I think he was a little sensitive." As for Glenn, he hasn't been hit with a penalty flag yet this year, but he did blow up on the officiating crew during the Jets' Week 5 win over the Browns.
Incredible video sent in by a listener of Aaron Glenn absolutely LOSING HIS MIND on the refs over the atrocious officiating in the first half.And he had EVERY RIGHT to be furious. The officiating was a complete joke. #Jets pic.twitter.com/SGjVDNJOnN On Sirianni's end, if you turn on any Eagles game, you'll likely see him chewing out a ref. One of his biggest tirades came in Week 3 against the Bears after Jalen Hurts was called for intentional grounding.
Sirianni did NOT agree with the call. Nick Sirianni was letting the official have it after the intentional grounding call 😳 pic.twitter.com/jcOXDINW5S The good news for each of these three coaches is that they might get their money back. According to the SI report, the money will be placed in abeyance, and each coach could have the fine rescinded if they show good behavior going forward.
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