Mike Vrabel, who figures to be one of the top coaching candidates in the upcoming NFL hiring cycle, could have an intriguing opportunity awaiting him in the near future. With uncertainty looming over the New England Patriots’ head coaching position, reports suggest that Vrabel would be open to the idea of a homecoming in Foxborough.
Veteran Patriots insider Tom E. Curran offered his perspective during an appearance on “Inside Edition” Tuesday night. According to Curran, Vrabel is not dismissing the possibility of returning to the franchise where he forged a legendary career as a player.
“Mike Vrabel would be interested in coaching for the New England Patriots,” Curran stated. “I think he looks at the Patriots, and despite the warts, says, ‘I’ll go back there.’”
It’s a scenario many could not have envisioned just a few years ago. The Patriots had a succession plan in place when they moved on from Bill Belichick. Jerod Mayo, a longtime member of the Patriots coaching staff and one of Belichick’s most trusted lieutenants, was elevated to the head coaching role.
At the time, Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk had given no indication that Vrabel’s job in Nashville was in jeopardy. His sudden dismissal from the Titans changed the NFL’s coaching landscape dramatically—and may have influenced how Robert Kraft, the Patriots’ owner, might have approached his post-Belichick blueprint had he known Vrabel would become available.
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As it stands, the Patriots are a team in transition. Their roster, once brimming with star power, has regressed in recent years, and many around the league would argue that Mayo—now in his first season as head coach—has not squeezed the most out of the talent at his disposal.
The Patriots have underperformed, and Mayo’s recent comments following a disappointing loss to the Arizona Cardinals have not done him any favors. Some believe his remarks, which hinted at a lack of accountability, may have warmed the seat beneath him considerably.
Should Kraft decide that Mayo’s time at the helm is short-lived, Vrabel’s combination of familiarity, pedigree, and past success will almost certainly draw the Patriots’ interest. During his six-year tenure in Tennessee, Vrabel posted a 54-45 record and guided the Titans to three playoff appearances. He earned the respect of players, peers, and executives around the league for his ability to build a winning culture and adapt to various roster challenges.
Few coaches on the market would carry more cachet into New England than Vrabel, whose name is etched into franchise history.
As a linebacker, Vrabel spent eight seasons with the Patriots (2001-2008), earning three Super Bowl rings while becoming one of the team’s iconic defensive leaders. His knowledge of the organization’s culture, standards, and community could help restore the identity that fans fear has slipped away in recent years.
Of course, if Vrabel opts to listen to offers, the Patriots might not be his only suitor. His résumé will likely place him at the top of many shortlists, with teams seeking an established leader who can turn a program around quickly. If there’s an enticing option with a stronger roster, clearer path to success, and fewer immediate challenges, Vrabel may choose greener pastures over a reunion.
Still, the fact that he is reportedly open to talking to New England is a powerful statement in itself. It reflects not only his respect for the organization that launched his coaching career—he started as a position coach at Ohio State before joining the Houston Texans and eventually the Titans—but also his belief that he could be the one to lead the Patriots back to prominence.
For the Patriots, the next few weeks will be critical. Decisions about Mayo, the roster, and the overall direction of the team will shape their future.
If the job does indeed become vacant, a phone call to Vrabel seems inevitable.
With one of their old heroes potentially waiting in the wings, the stage could be set for a dramatic shift back to a more familiar and successful chapter in Foxborough’s football story.
