After going one-and-done with Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots have selected their next head coach: Mike Vrabel. After spending the 2024 season out of football, the one-time Tennessee Titans head coach was one of the most sought-after leaders in the hiring cycle.
BREAKING: The #Patriots are hiring Mike Vrabel as their HC, per @AdamSchefter. The deal is done. pic.twitter.com/SwrjJYaoKa
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025
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New England Patriots Hire Mike Vrabel As Next Head Coach
Mike Vrabel has plenty of history with the New England Patriots, and now the former linebacker can lead the franchise on the sidelines. Originally entering the NFL as a player with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Vrabel signed with the New England Patriots in 2001 and never looked back. Playing a crucial role in the first half of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s two-decade dynasty, Vrabel played eight seasons in New England, recording 48 sacks, 606 tackles, 55 tackles-for-loss, and winning three Super Bowls.
After a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, Vrabel retired from football and joined the coaching world in 2011. Starting off as a linebackers coach at Ohio State, Vrabel joined the NFL ranks with the Houston Texans in 2014. After four seasons there, the defensive-minded coach earned a head coaching opportunity with the Tennessee Titans. Running the show for six seasons, Vrabel went 54-45 in the regular season and 2-3 in the postseason, including an appearance in the AFC Championship Game in 2020.
While the Patriots interviewed other candidates for the head coach position, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson seemed to be the only other serious candidate. Johnson has been with the Lions since 2019 but rose to prominence as Dan Campbell’s offensive coordinator. Taking over the role midway through the 2022 season, Johnson’s elite scheme and creative play calls have turned the Lions from perennial underachievers to one of the most dangerous teams in football. While he didn’t land the Patriots job, he should have no shortage of suitors across the league.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale – USA Today Sports
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