Mike Vrabel, a former player and assistant coach for the New England Patriots, was introduced as the team’s 16th head coach on Monday. Vrabel, who played for the Patriots from 2001-2008, had previously coached for the Tennessee Titans before being fired after the 2023 season.
Vrabel’s hiring ends a swift search process that followed the firing of Jerod Mayo last week. He was chosen from a pool of candidates that included former offensive coordinators Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton, and current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Team owner Robert Kraft praised Vrabel’s vision, saying that he had a deep understanding of the current team and a clear strategy for getting the Patriots back to a championship level. Vrabel, who is 49 years old, has a track record of success as a coach, with a 56-48 overall mark with the Titans from 2018-2023.
Vrabel said that he has learned from his experiences as a player and coach, and has developed his own coaching philosophy. He emphasized the importance of building a new culture in New England, one that is built on winning, a competitive spirit, and putting the team first.
Vrabel also discussed his plans for constructing a coaching staff and roster, saying that he wants to see the team’s No. 4 pick in April’s NFL Draft and its more than $130 million in salary cap space be used to strengthen the protection around quarterback Drake Maye, and to acquire players to help “dictate the flow of the game offensively.”
Former Patriots player Rob Gronkowski praised Vrabel’s hiring, saying that he is a coach who will keep everyone accountable and has the knowledge and power to succeed. Gronkowski also advised Vrabel to hire Josh McDaniels as the team’s offensive coordinator, a move that would bring a familiar face to the team.
Vrabel said that no decisions have been made regarding his coaching staff, but that he is looking forward to working with current vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. He also emphasized the importance of earning the right to be in the building every day, and of removing entitlement from the team.
Overall, Vrabel’s hiring marks a new era for the Patriots, one that is filled with promise and potential. With his experience and knowledge, he is well-equipped to lead the team back to a championship level.