Pats fans began their week with Mike Vrabel as their head coach, and whilst I know many of you lovely lot were much more enamoured with Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson, I was bubbling over with excitement. (If you managed to catch the latest episode of Pats Procrastination, link at the end of this article, you’ll see what I mean!)
And so, I thought I should take to my keyboard and drop a few tidbits of Vrabel notes on you, as well as gathering some interesting fan reactions. Maybe by the end of the article you’ll still feel glum and wish they had managed to entice Ben Johnson, or perhaps you’ll be as fizzy as the bottle of soda pop that I am!
Coach has already done a tonnage of interviews promoting the likes of treating players as they treat the team, providing a program that provides ownership (and their players) accountability of each other and one they’ll fight for, as well as galvanising the team, before already getting down to work on those coordinator hirings!
Many Patriots fans are kind of predisposed as Mike Vrabel fans from his days as number 50 on the roster. Starting his career in 1997, Vrabel was drafted in the third round and spent four seasons as a Pittsburgh Steeler before suiting up in Patriots blue. His eight seasons with the Patriots earned him that red jacket, and he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2024, playing not only inside but also outside linebacker, and that wasn’t the end to Vrabel’s versatility. He occasionally lined up on the offense as a tight end (squeal!) with 14 targets for 10 receptions and 10 touchdowns in the regular season.
But let’s be fair, none of that is why we are sitting here with the confidence of him being a good coach. Everyone is entitled to, and should(!), fan their own way. For this fan, and probably many others, it is his coaching experience and successes that have us confident.
Vrabel commenced his coaching career like many, at the college level, as linebackers coach for Ohio State. He then served as the defensive line coach for the Buckeyes for two seasons (2012-13). In 2014, he was hired by the Houston Texans as the linebackers coach, and was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Texans in 2017. 2018 saw Vrabel’s move to the head coach role with the Tennessee Titans on a five year deal, where he was awarded the AP Coach of the Year in 2021. At the end of the 2023 season he was dismissed from Tennessee following a 6-11 record.
The 2024 season saw the NFL without the great Bill Belichick, and Mike Vrabel cooled his heels in a coaching and personnel consultant role with the Cleveland Browns, where it is said he gained more experience on the offensive side of the ball.
And so here we are, 2025, the year of the Vrabel! Now, you may still not be convinced or even excited, and obviously that’s okay, but I hope that some of these fan comments, and perhaps my article, give you a little cause for positivity because being a fan can be tough stuff! But one thing is for sure, we are all in this together. Go Pats!
Die hard fan Mike Dussault
Mike Vrabel has been the guy I wanted to replace Belichick since 2015 (check the PatsPropaganda archives!), he’s got the experience and the philosophy that the Patriots need to get them back on track, and he exemplifies everything his team should emulate… tough, smart and versatile.
Pats Procrastination co-host Chudders from Manchester
The Patriots have got their man; Vrabel
With Drake Maye, who’s proved he is able
With free agents to come
Then the draft will be fun
Another Lombardi is surely now on the table…..?
Tim from Rhode Island
I am very excited that Vrabel is the new coach, he brings instant credibility, experience, leadership, and direction to a team that lacked all those things last year.
Joel from Hull
I am very excited about Mike Vrabel being the coach of the Patriots. I think he brings a culture of accountability that the Patriots need at this juncture. Go Pats
Chris with a TIAN
Love the Vrabel hire! He brings swag and instant credibility. Certainly has his work cut out for him but he knows what it takes win championships.
Tom Shaw-Mellors
Mike Vrabel’s connection to New England is a happy coincidence, he’s a proven coach who has won in this league. He’s also a former NFL Coach Of The Year winner, I’m excited for sure! And mostly intrigued about which direction they go with the offense. LFG