The New England Patriots have officially turned the page on their coaching staff, naming Mike Vrabel as their new head coach after firing Jerod Mayo last week.
Vrabel, a former head coach of the Tennessee Titans and the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year, brings years of experience and a winning pedigree to the franchise he knows so very well.
Tedy Bruschi, Vrabel’s longtime friend and former Patriots teammate, has voiced strong support for the hiring.
Bruschi offered a blend of insight and candid commentary on Robert Kraft’s decision to hire Vrabel – a move that many feel should have happened last year.
Speaking on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Bruschi admitted to being biased toward Vrabel but firmly stated that his friend is the right man to steer the Patriots back to their winning ways.
“He’s the right man for the job … it’s been bad for the last two years with the New England Patriots organization,” Bruschi began.
“When they hired Jerod [Mayo], at the press conference, a big word that was used was ‘collaboration.’ Everybody’s input and all that stuff; well, I don’t know how much it is that any more. And I think that’s a good thing.
“Because Vrabel isn’t going to joke around, Vrabel is going to tighten the screws. In my opinion, there are some people in the front office that need to be told, ‘You don’t know what you’re doing and you need to take a step back.’
“I love the hire. Of course, this guy is a friend of mine. But there is going to be a change. I’m a little bit surprised that this happened because there are some people upstairs in the organization that want to be heard.
“And sometimes they’re going to have to take a bite of ‘Humble Pie’ and understand ‘your opinion doesn’t matter on this one’ because there are people in the building that know more.
“I hope that is what happens this time around because the collaboration project did not work. I’m glad it’s going to change a little bit to a coach that has more experience and they know what they’re getting exactly with Mike Vrabel.”
Bruschi also addressed the team’s recent struggles, noting that Vrabel’s leadership style will break away from Mayo’s approach, which he believes contributed to the Patriots’ brutal season.
Bruschi’s unwavering support for Vrabel underscores the deep bond the two share after playing together for eight seasons and winning three Super Bowls under Bill Belichick.
Vrabel’s hiring marks a significant step for a Patriots team seeking stability after a turbulent season.
The 49-year-old compiled a 54-45 record over six seasons with the Titans before parting ways with the franchise at the end of last season. He spent the 2024 season as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns as he awaited his next head coaching opportunity.
Vrabel’s proven ability to lead a team and instill discipline is widely regarded as a perfect fit for the Patriots who are desperately trying to get back to their winning ways.
What are your thoughts on New England’s decision to hire Vrabel???
