Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Key Patriots Coach Agrees to Come Back After Vrabel Hiring

By Joe Summers

Jan 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the New England Patriots head coach at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the New England Patriots head coach at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The New England Patriots have a long yet exciting offseason ahead after the hiring of Mike Vrabel to be the new head coach. He's in the process of finalizing his staff, though the organization is already buzzing with excitement to bring the three-time Super Bowl champion back into the building.

A major question persists about who Vrabel will hire, though each new hire coincides with the firing of a previous staff member. Several head coaches have already left the franchise and it seems Vrabel has identified multiple people he intends to welcome to New England as well.

In a move that shouldn't be a stunner, Vrabel elected to keep special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer after a surprisingly excellent season from the Patriots' forgotten third unit.

Patriots Keeping ST Coordinator Jeremy Springer on Mike Vrabel's Staff

New England's special teams unit was one of the long bright spots in 2024. This was Springer's first season with the organization after spending time with the Los Angeles Rams and in the college ranks. By any measure, he performed exceptionally well.

Vrabel is wise to include some respected voices from Jerod Mayo's staff. While Mayo struggled during in-game management and press conferences, he was still a culture-setter who played for the Patriots just like Vrabel did. He wasn't incompetent, just inexperienced, yet Mayo hit a home run by hiring Springer.

In order for New England to take a step into competitiveness, Vrabel needs to find every edge possible. This rebuild will likely take multiple years despite Drake Maye's promise under center. The roster needs work, but the Patriots are known for being disciplined and sound in fundamentals. That extends to special teams, where Springer clearly excels.

It's not yet clear what further moves will be made. That said, Springer seems to be one of the finer special teams coaches in the league and it's wise to keep him.

Vrabel now has a holdover who can keep peace in the locker room and hopefully, he can inspire the rest of the team to improve on 2024's poor results.

More New England Patriots News and Rumors:

feed

Home/New England Patriots