It was all the time Mike Vrabel.

The Patriots are hiring their former Tremendous Bowl-winning linebacker as their subsequent head coach, NFL Community Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday, per sources knowledgeable of the scenario. New England later introduced the information.

Because the second the Patriots moved on from Jerod Mayo following a turbulent 2024 season, Vrabel was seen because the frontrunner to run the franchise he helped win three Tremendous Bowls. Vrabel was named to the membership’s Ring of Honor in 2023. Robert Kraft will exchange one former Patriots participant with one other in hopes of improved outcomes.

Vrabel is the primary coach since 1950 to immediately succeed one other coach the place each had performed collectively within the NFL as teammates since Forrest Gregg took over for Bart Starr as Packers head coach in 1984, per NFL Analysis.

The 49-year-old Vrabel entered the 2025 teaching cycle as probably the most sought-after candidates, taking interviews with the Bears, Jets and Pats. A return to Foxborough, nevertheless, all the time appeared most probably.