Why the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their next head coach

In a transfer that was extensively anticipated throughout the NFL, the New England Patriots employed Mike Vrabel as head coach per week after firing Jerod Mayo.

Vrabel’s prior teaching expertise — by which he went 54-45 over six seasons with the Tennessee Titans with a 2-3 file within the playoffs — was interesting to the Patriots, as was proprietor Robert Kraft’s background with Vrabel from his taking part in profession as a linebacker in New England (2001-2008).

That is the fourth head coach that Kraft has employed since buying the staff in 1994, the others being Pete Carroll (1997-1999), Invoice Belichick (2000-2023) and Mayo (2024).

Taking a more in-depth look, ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss solutions 4 large questions in regards to the Vrabel hiring, together with what comes subsequent. Nationwide reporter Dan Graziano dishes on what he is listening to in regards to the rent, and draft analyst Matt Miller spins it ahead to the draft. Lastly, analyst Ben Solak grades the rent.

What makes Vrabel the correct rent for the Patriots?

Vrabel has proved he can construct a profitable tradition, which has added worth for the franchise after Kraft miscalculated that Mayo, 38, was prepared for the job following 5 years as an assistant coach.

Vrabel, 49, will deliver order and construction, in addition to a mastery of recreation administration that was shaped, partly, by what he discovered from Belichick as a participant. Belichick usually famous how Vrabel was one of many smartest gamers he had coached. Moreover, the Patriots want a commanding chief to unify all features of their soccer operation, one thing that acquired away from them in recent times.

Kraft had a front-row seat to Vrabel’s management throughout his taking part in profession after which as an opposing coach who had success towards New England. It would not damage that Vrabel is a Patriots Corridor of Famer who spoke glowingly in regards to the group at his staff induction. — Reiss

Did the Patriots have their sights set on Vrabel from the start?

The potential for Vrabel turning into the Patriots’ coach traces again to final yr. New England had language in Mayo’s contract to change into Belichick’s successor, however staff sources mentioned Vrabel’s surprising availability in January 2024 after being fired by the Titans made some inside the staff ponder whether these plans needs to be shelved in favor of Vrabel. They in the end had been satisfied sufficient in Mayo to stay with the unique plan. That Vrabel remained accessible in 2025, and was interviewing with the AFC East rival New York Jets, provides a layer of context to the choice. — Reiss

What are you listening to across the league on the rent?

Nobody is shocked. It felt like this case was pointing this fashion all week, with the staff’s curiosity in Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson the one factor that gave anybody pause. However Vrabel interviewed in particular person, not on Zoom, and naturally, the prior relationship with the group was an enormous issue.

Lots of people I speak to have rolled their eyes a bit on the rent. The Patriots had Belichick for twenty-four years, let him go, did no search in any respect earlier than hiring Mayo, fired Mayo after one season after which rushed their search earlier than hiring Vrabel. Vrabel is an impressive coach and sure the correct rent, nevertheless it appears the Patriots might have benefited from in search of a wider vary of views earlier than leaping on the apparent candidate. — Graziano

How can Vrabel enhance this roster with the No. 4 choose?

The Patriots’ determination needs to be about enhancing the general staff and never centered solely on offense or protection. There shall be strain from exterior voices to construct round a stellar younger quarterback in Maye, and enhancing the offensive line and vast receiver corps should be an offseason focus. Nevertheless it would not must occur at No. 4. Reaching in Spherical 1 for wants is how dangerous groups keep dangerous.

As an alternative, the “finest participant accessible” strategy could be the very best wager for a staff that misplaced 13 video games and has holes everywhere in the roster. That places gamers like Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter on the board. He is my prime total participant within the class and could be an ideal addition for a protection that already has brilliant spots in Christian Gonzalez and Keion White. Each place exterior of quarterback needs to be in play for New England, however my choose could be Carter if the QB-needy groups in line for the highest three picks depart him on the board for New England. — Miller

How would you grade this rent?

B+. There isn’t a doubt Vrabel is a stable head coach. His robust defenses and total roster power throughout his time in Tennessee are a testomony to that. His return to New England additionally comes with rosy emotions, as he was a profitable participant there and is aware of easy methods to emulate Belichick’s system (whereas additionally including his personal spin from his time exterior of the nucleus). I’ve questions on how Vrabel will fill out his offensive workers and whether or not he can mesh with the staff’s personnel executives, however his hiring dramatically raises the ground for a Patriots staff seeking to get again into rivalry. — Solak