FOXBORO, Mass. — He’s back. That’s the message from the Patriots as they announce a multi-year deal with Mike Vrabel as the new head coach. The Pats will hold a news conference Monday afternoon to introduce the former linebacker as the new coach.
The Patriots quickly turned the page on their head coach search—just a week after they parted ways with Jerod Mayo, they announced they hired their former linebacker and hall of fame, Mike Vrabel. And the rumors are already swirling about who he will bring in to help return the team to their winning ways.
This will be the second head coaching job for the three-time Super Bowl champion. Vrabel coached the Tennessee Titans for six years. He led them to three consecutive playoffs from 2019 to 2021. In 2019, his Titans beat Belichick and Brady in Brady’s final game with the Pats. In 2021, Vrabel earned the NFL Coach of the Year award.
Former teammate and Patriots Center Dan Koppen told Boston 25 News said selecting Vrabel for the head coaching position was the most obvious and logical decision for the organization.
“He was a smart player, he was fundamentally sound, he was a team guy, always willing to do the dirty work or play a different position, go on offense go on special teams,” said former Patriots Center Dan Koppen. “You know he just loves the game of football and he’s one of those guys where he was sort of get the respect of his teammates but can, he’s a leader. He’s a leader and guys will follow him.”
Koppen went on to say that one of the most important things for players is to trust their coaches and he says Vrabel will earn that trust quickly.
“I think they’re going to get a sense of Mike, of who he is, right off the bat he’s a very personable guy, he’s a likeable guy, a knowledgeable guy, a very funny guy but he’s also trustworthy and he’s not going to tell you a lie,” said Koppen.
Former Patriots Offensive Line Coach and Assistant Coach Dante Scarnecchia told Boston 25 News that Vrabel is a great choice for the organization and players will respect him.
I’ve seen Mike as a coach on the field and the way he coaches and the way the players have respect for him I just think he’s as special as they come and I’m really excited for the organization to get a guy like him cause he was a great player and really good coach,” said Scarnecchia.
There’s already plenty of speculation that Vrabel might bring in Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator---marking in what could be his third time with the organization. McDaniels was part of the coaching staff for all of the Patriots six Super Bowls. Vrabel will be holding his first news conference as the Patriots Head Coach at Gillette Stadium at noon on Monday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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