It was always Mike Vrabel.
The Patriots are hiring their former Super Bowl-winning linebacker as their next head coach, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday, per sources informed of the situation. New England later announced the news.
Since the moment the Patriots moved on from Jerod Mayo following a turbulent 2024 season, Vrabel was viewed as the frontrunner to run the franchise he helped win three Super Bowls. Vrabel was named to the club's Ring of Honor in 2023. Robert Kraft will replace one former Patriots player with another in hopes of improved results.
Vrabel is the first coach since 1950 to directly succeed another coach where both had played together in the NFL as teammates since Forrest Gregg took over for Bart Starr as Packers head coach in 1984, per NFL Research.
The 49-year-old Vrabel entered the 2025 coaching cycle as one of the most sought-after candidates, taking interviews with the Bears, Jets and Pats. A return to Foxborough, however, always seemed most likely.
Vrabel's experience set him apart from other coaching contenders. The former Pro Bowl linebacker spent six seasons leading the Tennessee Titans, earning a 54-45 record, including three playoff berths. He captured the 2021 Coach of the Year award with the Titans.
Vrabel's Titans squads never got over the hump but were noted for their tenacity and often overplaying their talent level. Given where the Patriots are in their rebuild -- with a young, franchise QB but a wanting roster -- Vrabel's proven ability to coax positive performances from overachievers will play well in New England. He brings established expectations and mental fortitude to Foxborough, which was lacking in 2024.
The Patriots boast some stellar building blocks in quarterback Drake Maye and second-team All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez, but they have an array of needs. Improving a woeful offensive line and adding weapons on offense and in the pass rush are necessary this offseason.
New England heads into a pivotal offseason in their post-Bill Belichick rebuild. Getting the coaching decision right on the second swing is step one.
