Patriots name Mike Vrabel as new head coach, succeeding Jerod Mayo after one season.

Patriots name Mike Vrabel as new head coach, succeeding Jerod Mayo after one season.

The New England Patriots are turning to another familiar face in their quest to rebuild. After parting ways with former linebacker-turned-head coach Jerod Mayo following a disappointing one-and-done season, the team has announced the hiring of Mike Vrabel as their new head coach. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Vrabel has signed a multi-year contract.

Unlike Mayo, Vrabel brings significant head coaching experience to the table. During his six-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans, Vrabel amassed a 54-45 record, led the team to three playoff appearances, and reached the AFC Championship Game once. His success includes a standout 2021 season when the Titans secured the AFC’s top seed with a 12-5 record. Even though his last two seasons with the Titans were losing campaigns, Vrabel’s reputation around the league remains strong.

Vrabel’s ties to the Patriots run deep. As a player, he spent eight of his 14 NFL seasons in New England, winning three Super Bowls under Bill Belichick. His knowledge of the Patriots’ culture and championship pedigree makes him an intriguing choice to lead a franchise in need of a turnaround. The Patriots’ decision to hire Vrabel appears calculated. The team fired Mayo shortly after Vrabel interviewed for the New York Jets’ head coaching vacancy earlier this month.

Vrabel also attracted interest from the Chicago Bears and was rumored to be a candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders due to his connection with former teammate and Raiders part-owner Tom Brady. Despite the competition, the Patriots secured their man. New England’s roster presents plenty of challenges for Vrabel, with the team posting a dismal 8-26 record over the past two seasons. 

However, there is optimism surrounding the development of quarterback Drake Maye, who showed promise during his rookie campaign. Initially, the Patriots were expected to stick with Mayo, who was reportedly in line to succeed Belichick. But after a rough 4-13 season, the team pivoted, and with Vrabel still available, the timing aligned perfectly. Now, Vrabel has been tasked with leading the Patriots into the next chapter of their storied history, starting in 2025.