Other than the playoffs, the biggest storyline in the entire NFL is what will happen with Bill Belichick?
All year long, we’ve been slowly building towards the realization that the New England Patriots were going to part ways with the legendary coach.
But as is usually the case, it was never going to be clear-cut – It was never going to be easy.
There are rumblings that Belichick and owner Robert Kraft may be able to work something out where Bill will remain as coach of the Patriots, while possible relinquishing his general manager duties.
Having said that, the strong likelihood remains that Belichick has coached his last game on the Patriots sidelines.
Perhaps the most well-connected New England insider is Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston. He is standing by his reporting that not only is Belichick a goner, but his replacement has already been chosen.
If Bill Belichick parts ways with the Patriots, would you consider bringing in Mike Vrabel as the head coach and appointing Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator? pic.twitter.com/nzuhiRgU89
— Shawn (@PalmerDesigns_) January 10, 2024
A large portion of the Patriots fan base got very excited when the Tennessee Titans surprisingly fired head coach Mike Vrabel.
Considering his extremely strong ties to the organization, as well as his standing as one of the NFL’s most elite coaches, most people assume there’s a very strong chance that Kraft will hire Vrabel as Belichick’s replacement.
Interesting… Rapport says reasons the Titans moved on from Mike Vrabel included:
— “What happened when he went to New England for the Hall of Fame thing.”
— “Not dispelling rumors, in house, that he was gonna be the #Patriots coach.”
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) January 10, 2024
However, Curran quickly pointed out that he believes Kraft will stick with his original plan of handing the head coaching baton off to current inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo.
👉 @tomecurran shares the latest on the Patriots' mindset on Bill Belichick after Tennessee fired Mike Vrabel pic.twitter.com/8aFndi1BCp
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) January 10, 2024
Curran outlined his reasons for considering Vrabel as a strong candidate, citing his experience, local ties, and his reputation as a players coach compared to Belichick.
However, he expressed his belief that the team is likely to stick to their plan of naming Mayo as the next head coach.
“There are so many things I’d argue perhaps considering Mike Vrabel as a strong candidate. The experience, link to the area, the way I think he’s a players coach in a way Bill maybe is not…and I believe they will still stay on the course that Jerrod Mayo is the next head coach,” he said.
Bill Belichick on his way to Tuscaloosa:#RollTide | #NFL pic.twitter.com/Fg6N5xefSQ
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) January 10, 2024
What are your thoughts on Curran’s statement?
First of all, do you think Belichick is indeed done in New England?
If you’re a Patriots fan, how would you feel if Kraft hires Mayo over the proven Vrabel???
Hear me out what if the Patriots keep Bill Belichick and create an Expendables-type coaching staff of old men for one last ride.
Pete Carroll, Nick Saban, Ron Rivera. Throw Jim Caldwell and Norv Turner over on offense.
Really make a whole scene of it.
— Tanya Ray Fox (@TanyaRayFox) January 10, 2024