It’s always Mike Vrabel. The Patriots sign their former Super Bowl-winning baseball pro As its next head coach, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday, sources briefed on the situation said. New England later announced the news.
From the moment the Patriots moved on from Jerrod Mayo following a tumultuous 2024 season, Vrabel was considered the favorite to lead a franchise he helped win three Super Bowls. Vrabel was inducted into the club’s Ring of Honor in 2023. Robert Kraft replaces one former Patriots player with another to improve results.
He’s back!
Patriots Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel returns to New England as our 16th head coach. pic.twitter.com/a3r7IQNzvk
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 12, 2025
Vrabel became the first coach to win outright since 1950 after the two played together as teammates in the NFL since Forrest Gregg replaced Bart Starr as Packers head coach in 1984.
Vrabel, 49, has held interviews with the Bears, Jets and Pats and entered the 2025 coaching cycle as one of the most coveted candidates. However, a return to Foxborough is always more likely.
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Vrabel’s experience set him apart from other coaches. The former Pro Bowl linebacker led the Tennessee Titans for six seasons, compiling a 54-45 record, including three playoff berths. He captured the 2021 Coach of the Year award with the Titans.
