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 every week after firing Jerod Mayo.

Vrabel’s prior teaching expertise — wherein 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 group 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 huge questions concerning the Vrabel hiring, together with what comes subsequent. Nationwide reporter Dan Graziano dishes on what he is listening to concerning 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 successful 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 convey order and construction, in addition to a mastery of recreation administration that was fashioned, partly, by what he realized 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 points 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 in opposition to New England. It would not damage that Vrabel is a Patriots Corridor of Famer who spoke glowingly concerning the group at his group 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 group sources stated Vrabel’s surprising availability in January 2024 after being fired by the Titans made some throughout the group wonder if these plans must be shelved in favor of Vrabel. They finally had been satisfied sufficient in Mayo to stay with the unique plan. That Vrabel remained out there 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 group’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 discuss 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 certain 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 decide?

The Patriots’ resolution must be about enhancing the general group and never targeted totally on offense or protection. There will likely be strain from outdoors voices to construct round a stellar younger quarterback in Maye, and enhancing the offensive line and vast receiver corps have to be an offseason focus. But it surely would not need to occur at No. 4. Reaching in Spherical 1 for wants is how unhealthy groups keep unhealthy.

As an alternative, the “finest participant out there” strategy could be the very best guess for a group 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 high general participant within the class and could be an ideal addition for a protection that already has vivid spots in Christian Gonzalez and Keion White. Each place outdoors of quarterback must be in play for New England, however my decide 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 is no such thing as a doubt Vrabel is a stable head coach. His sturdy defenses and general 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 outdoors of the nucleus). I’ve questions on how Vrabel will fill out his offensive employees and whether or not he can mesh with the group’s personnel executives, however his hiring dramatically raises the ground for a Patriots group seeking to get again into competition. — Solak