The New England Patriots have appointed Mike Vrabel as their new head coach.
The announcement was made on Sunday morning, just a week after Patriots owner Robert Kraft decided to part ways with Jerod Mayo following the team’s victory against the Buffalo Bills, which capped off a challenging season. Mayo ended his season with a record of 4-13 in his first stint as head coach.
Other candidates considered for the position included Byron Leftwich, who was previously Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Pep Hamilton from the Houston Texans, and Ben Johnson who served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
Vrabel, who enjoyed a successful eight-year playing career with the Patriots, is well-loved among fans. He played a crucial role in the team’s early Super Bowl victories and was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2023. His extensive history with the franchise, coupled with a solid coaching track record in his six years guiding the Tennessee Titans, made him the top choice for this role.
In selecting the 49-year-old Vrabel, Kraft is once again opting for a former defensive standout from the Patriots. Like Mayo, Vrabel is known for establishing strong relationships with players and building a winning culture.
Mayo’s experience as an assistant under former head coach Bill Belichick was overshadowed by his struggles in his first season at the helm, particularly with a young roster led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Kraft later reflected that while he initially believed Mayo was the right follow-up to Belichick, he understands now that Mayo might not have been adequately prepared for the head coaching role in the NFL.
In contrast, Vrabel brings a commendable track record to his new position. He leaves the Titans with a career record of 56-48 from 2018 to 2023, featuring a playoff record of 2-3 and an appearance in the AFC Championship game in 2019, during a period when the Titans made three consecutive playoff appearances.
Although he had a temporary role as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns this past season, Vrabel’s contract expired, which allowed him to engage with other teams for potential coaching roles. He also participated in interviews with the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears, both of whom are still in search of coaches. Speculation circulated that he was a candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders coaching position, largely due to his relationship with minority owner Tom Brady, although he never engaged in an interview with the organization.
Looking ahead, Vrabel is poised to lead the franchise that played a significant role in shaping his career throughout his time in the NFL.
