While Jerod Mayo has long been seen as the heir apparent to Bill Belichick as New England Patriots head coach, a new report claims that Mike Vrabel would now become the top contender for the job if the team moves on from the legendary coach.
This has been an eventful last few days when it comes to head coaches in the NFL. But it’s to be expected since the week began with “Black Monday.” Yesterday two coaches were given their walking papers when the Atlanta Falcons fired Arthur Smith and the Washington Commanders ousted Ron Rivera.
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However, Tuesday brought maybe the most surprising ending of a coaching tenure when the Tennessee Titans decided to part ways with Mike Vrabel after six seasons and being NFL Coach of the Year in 2021. It is a move that blew the door wide open about speculation over where he could head since he will surely be in demand.
It also likely perked up a lot of ears in the New England Patriots facility since he had been linked to being the next coach if his time in Tennessee came to an end and the Pats decided to move on from Bill Belichick after a horrible showing in 2023.
Mike Vrabel will be a top candidate if New England Patriots job becomes available
Well, step one of that scenario is complete. However, there has still been radio silence from New England about the iconic coach’s future. But, if the team does move on from Belichick after 24 seasons, Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz claims Vrabel would be a top candidate for the opening. Even over current assistant Jerod Mayo, a long-time favorite to be the next head coach.
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“Should the job become available, Mike Vrabel would have a legitimate interest in heading back to New England where he had a terrific career. [He] won Super Bowls there and was a big part of the fabric of New England. … Make no mistake, should Belichick move on, there will be mutual interest between the Patriots and Mike Vrabel. Considering the history and the relationship with the Kraft family.
“Obviously, you have Jerod Mayo there in waiting [and he] really has become one of the top-tier assistant coaches and defensive guys in the league. And the thought has always been when Bill Belichick leaves the Patriots that Mayo would be there in wait. But now, given what’s transpired with Mike Vrabel, it’s not often that you have this type of head coach who’s only 48 years old and who’s had a lot of success — three playoff appearances in six years, one trip to the AFC title game.
“It’s not often that this becomes available. It’s my understanding, without question that Vrabel and the Patriots would have interest.”
– Jordan Schultz
Vrable won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and was inducted into their Hall-of-Fame this past season.