After more than two decades of coaching stability, the New England Patriots are now in search of their third head coach in as many years. With the process well underway, Mike Vrabel has emerged as a leading candidate for the role.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter offered insights into the Patriots’ coaching search during an appearance on Get Up. According to Schefter, while Vrabel is considered a strong favorite, the team is still actively conducting interviews. “Mike Vrabel returns to New England today for an in-person interview with the Patriots,” Schefter said. “He’s certainly a, if not the, favorite for the job. However, the Patriots are also scheduled to speak with Ben Johnson virtually on Friday and are attempting to arrange an interview with Aaron Glenn. We’ll see if that happens, but Vrabel remains a top contender.”
Even before the Patriots parted ways with former head coach Jerod Mayo, there were whispers that Vrabel had interest in the position. Since Mayo’s dismissal, it’s become clear the feeling is mutual. The connection makes sense, given Vrabel’s history with the franchise and his head coaching experience.
Vrabel’s NFL career spanned from 1997 to 2010, beginning with the Pittsburgh Steelers and ending with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, his standout years were with New England, where he played from 2001 to 2008. During that time, he was a key player on some of Bill Belichick’s best defenses, won three Super Bowls, and was part of the historic 2007 unbeaten regular season team. Vrabel was later inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
After retiring, Vrabel transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming the Tennessee Titans’ head coach in 2018. Under his leadership, the Titans made the playoffs three consecutive seasons, but consecutive losing records in 2022 and 2023 led to his departure. Now eager to return to head coaching, Vrabel has interviewed with multiple teams, including the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, with the Las Vegas Raiders also considered a potential fit.
For the Patriots, this hire is critical. Quarterback Drake Maye, coming off a promising rookie season, is poised to take the next step as the team rebuilds around him. Making the right coaching choice is essential for New England as they aim to reestablish themselves as contenders.
