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Patriots Take Major Step Toward Mike Vrabel Hiring

By Richard Louis

Nov 28, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel shakes the hand of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft while former Patriots quarterback looks on during pregame at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Nov 28, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel shakes the hand of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft while former Patriots quarterback looks on during pregame at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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The New England Patriots have been deep into their head coaching search over the last week. On Jan. 5, the Pats fired Jerod Mayo after one season.

The Patriots quickly pivoted onto the open market, completing interviews with Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson, Pep Hamilton, and Byron Leftwich.

Vrabel and Johnson are the two top candidates for the job. It was reported that the Patriots were expected to pick their new head coach this weekend and Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported that Mike Vrabel and New England are negotiating a deal to make him the franchise's next head coach. Although nothing is official, it appears that the sides are going to strike a deal.

Patriots News: New England Closing in on Mike Vrabel

That is music to the ears of Patriot fans. Vrabel is one of the top candidates on the open market and has been named the top candidate for the job among most league circles.

The connection to New England with Vrabel makes too much sense. The 49-year-old played with the Patriots from 2001-2008, winning three Super Bowl titles. He was a prominent member of their dynasty, landing in the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Vrabel then became the Tennessee Titans head coach from 2018-2023, going 54-45, with three playoff appearances. The Ohio native is the exact type of coach the Patriots need. He is a leader of men and a culture changer.

The Pats have Drake Maye, the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and are expected to have $122 million cap space per Overthecap.com. That is a good starting spot for Vrabel. He'll have a huge say in how the Patriots rebuild this team and will have tremendous flexibility with owner Robert Kraft.

New England is one of six available head coach openings, so they are eager to land their guy. Getting a start on offseason scouting and planning is critical. Vrabel has always been the Pats' top choice and it appears they are close to officially landing him.

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