Patriots Hire Team Hall Of Famer Mike Vrabel As Head Coach

FOXBOROUGH, MA — "He's back."

That's the message the New England Patriots shared alongside the news that team Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel was hired as the team's 16th head coach.

NFL insiders Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport and Dianna Russini first reported that Vrabel and New England have reached a multi-year agreement for him to lead his former team, something experts expected going into the coaching cycle.

The team confirmed the decision just before 11 a.m. on Sunday. An introductory press conference is scheduled for 12 p.m. Monday.

Vrabel interviewed with the team last week along with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Many viewed Vrabel as a lock to land the job, though reports said the team was willing to be blown away by Johnson.

Vrabel spent 2024 as a coaching and personnel consultant for the Cleveland Browns after five seasons as the head coach for the Tennessee Titans. He was named the NFL's Coach of the Year in 2021.

As a player, Vrabel was a member of the Patriots from 2001 to 2008, winning three Super Bowls with the franchise and making one All-Pro team.

Vrabel replaces Jerod Mayo, who was fired one week ago after the coach won the final game of his only season leading the team.

The win saw the team end the year with a 4-13 record and also knocked them out of the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They will now pick fourth, but could still have their choice of the best offensive lineman or wide receiver available to them.